US presidential candidates respond to the San Bernardino shooting

Democrats urge new gun proposals while Republicans pray and consider the attackers' motives

Men embrace outside the crime scene in San Bernardino. (Sean M Haffey/Getty)

As one might expect, Democratic candidates responded on Twitter with pleas for gun control and the will to take on the gun lobby.

“Horrifying news out of #SanBernardino. Enough is enough: it's time to stand up to the @NRA and enact meaningful gun safety laws,” Martin O’Malley wrote.

“I’ll tell you what it also means standing up to the gun lobby. The gun lobby. It is time for us to say we are going to have comprehensive background checks, we are going to close the gun show loopholes,” Hillary Clinton said during a campaign trip in Orlando. Clinton was already addressing mass shootings in the US when the attack unfolded, ABC News reports.

“We are going to close the online gun loophole, we are going to close the Charleston loophole, and the immunity for the gun makers and sellers.”

“Mass shootings are becoming an almost-everyday occurrence in this country. This sickening and senseless gun violence must stop,” Bernie Sanders wrote.

Meanwhile, Republican candidates expressed condolences on Twitter and offered prayers as solutions to the tragic massacre.

“California shooting looks very bad. Good luck to law enforcement and God bless. This is when our police are so appreciated,” Donald Trump said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the shooting victims and their families in San Bernardino,” Ben Carson wrote.

“Praying for the victims, their families & the San Bernardino first responders in the wake of this tragic shooting,” Jeb Bush said.

"Praying for those impacted by the shooting in California today,” John Kasich wrote.

“Praying for those impacted by the shooting in California today,” Mike Huckabee said.

"Thoughts & prayers are with #SanBernardino," Lindsey Graham wrote.

"Praying for all those victimized by the shootings in San Bernardino, California today," Chris Christie said.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families, and brave first responders during this unspeakable tragedy," Rand Paul wrote.