The sudden mass shooting inside a gay nightclub recently in the US state of Florida, has been described by many as ‘the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history’. Others stressed that it was the worst mass shooting since 911. It has garnered condolences from all over the world, as it leaves the state in a pool of tears and bitterness.
The outrageous act has nefariously claimed the lives of at least 50 people, leaving 53 people hospitalised in critical conditions. This act of terrorism depicts the immeasurable hatred for gays in the country; which religiously have been condemned regularly.
The assailant has been recognised as Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old man born in New York with Afghan origins. His ex-wife, Harriet Alexander, described him as a violent man who beats her. She further revealed that he was not a stable person.
Also, the shooter’s father recalled that his son recently got angry when he saw two men kissing in Miami and said that might be related to the assault. If he had vehemently expressed his discontentment and contempt for the gay nature, apparently, this outburst was meticulously planned and observed.
He was also armed with an assault-type rifle and a handgun. It was recalled that the shooter called 911 shortly before the attack and referenced ISIS.
According to authorities investigating the attack, they termed the incidence as ‘an act of terrorism’. Witnesses also recounted that the chaotic scene began shortly before the club known as Pulse was to close.
‘’Some guy walked in and started shooting everybody. He had an automatic rifle, so nobody stood a chance,’’ a witness said.
The suspect also exchanged gunfire with 14 police officers at the club, which had more than 300 people inside. According to the police chief, he took some hostages and also had some sort of ‘’suspicious device.’’
In the midst of this life claiming pandemonium, President Barack Obama called the shooting an ‘’act of terror’’ and ‘’act of hate’’ targeting a place of ‘’solidarity and empowerment’’ for gays and lesbians.
The president described the shooter as ‘a person filled with hatred.’ He also urged Americans to decide whether this is the kind of ‘’country we want to be.’’
The world of social media was however not left out as they display their solidarity with the victims of the Orlando shooting using hashtags such as; #GaysBreakTheInternet. This began trending worldwide on Twitter alongside #PrayforOrlando.
Celebrities were also not left out, as they recount the incident as wicked and an injury to humanity. On every of their social media accounts, they didn’t miss words as they penned their irritation. They also expressed their condolences to as many families affected by tearful incident.
Touching photos of chats between a victim and his mother was also released. Following the unveiling of the photos, the chat revealed the victim’s fear of death and activities of the shooter. It is quite depressing and unacceptable.
Words have failed us in conveying our deep bitterness concerning the sudden deaths of loved ones. Beyond reasoning, it is outrightly inhumane and demands for relentless investigation. Hate is venom that eats deep into the human skin, hence, without forethought should be totally eradicated. Our heart goes out to the families in question and we do pray for Orlando.
