Barack Obama on Orlando shooting: 'This was an act of terror and an act of hate'

'We stand with the people of Orlando who have endured a terrible attack on their city'

President Barack Obama addressed the nation with a familiar speech on Sunday afternoon, condemning gun violence, hatred and acts of terrorism in the wake of the shooting that left 50 dead and 53 wounded in a Florida nightclub.

The president called the massacre an act of terror and an act of hate, and said the FBI is currently investigating the massacre to uncover a clear motive.

“This is especially a heartbreaking day for all of our fellow Americans who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender,” President Obama said. “The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be friends to dance to sing and to live.”

“The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be friends to dance to sing and to live,” he continued. “The place where they were attacked was more than a nightclub, its a place of solidarity and empowerment where people come together to raise awareness, speak their minds and advocate for their civil rights.”

Twenty-nine-year-old Omar Mir Seddique Mateen opened fire and took hostages inside the Pulse nightclub on early Sunday morning. Officials are saying that the shooting is the worst massacre in US history.

Mateen’s father Mir Seddique said that his son recently expressed anti-gay sentiments after viewing photos of two men kissing.

“I apologize for what my son did,” Seddique told NBC News. “We are saying we are apologizing for the whole incident. We weren't aware of any action he is taking. We are in shock like the whole country.”

Follow the latest live updates here