WASHINGTON (AP) - Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton paused their presidential politicking Sunday to offer prayers and support to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting, the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. But they both infused their sympathy with statements that support their presidential aspirations, and the presidential race rolled on.
For Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, it was a push for gun control and outreach to a key constituency - gays and lesbians.
"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," she said in a statement, adding a call to keep assault weapons out of the hands of "terrorists or other violent criminals."
A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday, killing at least 50 people before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. Another 53 were hospitalized, most in critical condition.
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, also offered words of support while keeping up his political commentary. It was unclear whether the shooter, identified as Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, Florida, had any ties to religious radicals and President Barack Obama called the tragedy an act of terror and hate.
As Obama stepped to the podium in Washington, Trump tweeted:
"Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism? If he doesn't he should immediately resign in disgrace!"
Obama didn't talk about religious extremists, nor did others reluctant to inflame a stunned nation already on-edge about terrorist attacks inspired by the Islamic State. Obama said the FBI would investigate the shootings in the gay nightclub as terrorism but that the alleged shooter's motivations were unclear. He said the U.S. "must spare no effort" to determine whether the suspect, identified by authorities as Omar Mateen, had any ties to extremist groups. At least 50 people were dead and dozens more injured.
A law enforcement official says the shooter was known to the FBI before the incident and had been looked at by agents within the last few years. The official spoke to The Associated Press Sunday on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Trump's first tweet of the day was factual: "Really bad shooting in Orlando. Police investigating possible terrorism. Many people dead and wounded."
Tweeted Clinton: "Woke up to hear the devastating news from FL. As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act."
And then they resumed their plans Sunday.