Clinton calls Orlando shooting an ‘act of terror’

Hillary Clinton on Sunday called the shootings at an Orlando, Fla., nightclub an “act of terror,” echoing the words President Obama delivered just moments before. 

{mosads}”This was an act of terror. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are hard at work, and we will learn more in the hours and days ahead,” the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said in a statement. 

“For now, we can say for certain that we need to redouble our efforts to defend our country from threats at home and abroad,” she said. 

Fifty people were killed and 53 more wounded inside the crowded gay nightclub. Omar Mateen, a U.S. citizen from Florida, is suspected in the shooting. He was killed at the scene. 

Law enforcement and politicians have speculated about connections to terrorism. 

Clinton went on to say that international terror groups need to be defeated and the U.S. should continue to counter their recruiting efforts. 

“This was also an act of hate. The gunman attacked an LGBT nightclub during Pride Month. To the LGBT community: Please know that you have millions of allies across our country. I am one of them,” Clinton said. 

The former secretary of State also called for gun control, saying the U.S. needs to keep guns “like the ones used last night” out of the hands of terrorists and criminals. 

“This is the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the United States, and it reminds us once more that weapons of war have no place on our streets,” Clinton said.  

Clinton’s response was a stark contrast to the words of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who accepted congratulations for “being right on radical Islamic terrorism.” He also called on President Obama to resign for not saying “radical Islamic terrorism” while commenting on the shooting. 

Earlier Sunday, Trump said he was praying for the victims and their families. 

“When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?” he tweeted.