Celebs React to Orlando Nightclub Attack, the Deadliest Mass Shooting in U.S. History

A gunman killed at least 50 people at a gay nightclub in the Florida city Sunday

By Corinne Heller Jun 12, 2016 5:08 PMTags
Orlando Shooting, Mandy Moore, CherGetty Images

A deadly attack in Florida, the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, has rattled the country and many, including celebs, took to social media to express their feelings.

A male gunmen shot dead 49 people and wounded more than 50 who were partying inside the crowded gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando on Saturday night. A frightening message was posted on the venue's Facebook page that night. It read: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running." The shooter was killed by police.

"We stand with the people of Orlando who have endured a terrible attack on this city," President Barack Obama told reporters. "Although it's still early in the investigation, we know enough to say this is an act of terror and an act of hate."

"I am absolutely heartbroken for my hometown and the families/loved ones of the victims and all of those affected," tweeted singer and actress Mandy Moore, who grew up in the Orlando area.

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The attack took place a day after The Voice alum and YouTube star Christina Grimmie was shot dead by another assailant after performing a concert in Orlando, about four miles away from the nightclub. Police say the two shootings were not connected.

Kesha was one of many celebs who had posted a tribute message to Grimmie on social media after her death. The pop star had added in her post, "How many times are we as a nation going to read a horrific story like this, where someone uses a gun to kill an innocent person, and DO NOTHING. I demand gun control."

After the nightclub shooting, she wrote, "Sometimes things leave you at a loss for words. My heart is with the families and the loved ones of these victims. This is so sad. I don't understand why these shootings are happening. I'm just so sorry."

"I'm truly at a loss for words," Kim Kardashian echoed. "To everyone in Orlando affected by this massacre, my thoughts, love, & prayers are with u."

Josh Groban tweeted, "I'm heartbroken for the victims, for Orlando, for the LGBT community, for our country. When does it end?"

"My heart goes out to all those affected by this terrible tragedy in Orlando," wrote Matt Bomer. "There are no words. Sending love and prayers."

Ariel Winter wrote on Instagram, "This morning my heart is broken. Praying for Orlando, for humanity... For peace."

Ariana Grande tweeted, "So. Much. Violence. It hurts my heart. Sending as much Light and love as I possibly can to anyone and everyone I can possibly reach...How how how how can one have so much hate ????? My heart...... is so broken. Praying for the families of the Orlando victims. I am so sorry."

Cher tweeted, "NO WORDS GOOD ENOUGH‼️ WHEN UR HURT, WOUNDED, MURDERED WE ALL CRY‼️ WE ALL MOURN ‼️ WE R ALL LESS WITHOUT U MY EXTENDED FAMILY‼️ #URNOTALONE."

#RichKids of Beverly Hills star Jonny Drubel posted an emotional video in response to the shooting and explained he's been an "emotional wreck" since hearing about the tragedy.

Following the nightclub shooting, the producers of the 2016 Tony Awards said Sunday's ceremony will be dedicated to the attack victims' loved ones.

"Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando," they said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected. The Tony Awards dedicate tonight's ceremony to them."

—Additional reporting by Marc Malkin

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