"Vigil" Courtesy of [Lindsay Shaver via Flickr]
Elections
Orlando Shooting: How did Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump Respond?
In the wake of a tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida early June 12, President Barack Obama addressed the nation in a televised press conference, while presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton took to Twitter to comment. Here’s a tweet-by-tweet look at how each candidate responded to the national tragedy.
Trump sent out the first tweet, about two hours after Orlando police tweeted that the shooter was dead.
Pulse Shooting: The shooter inside the club is dead.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
Really bad shooting in Orlando. Police investigating possible terrorism. Many people dead and wounded.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Clinton followed, expressing her concern as she awaited new information.
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. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
Trump did not tweet exclusively about the event, but tweeted more frequently than Clinton throughout the day.
Clinton made a false ad about me where I was imitating a reporter GROVELING after he changed his story. I would NEVER mock disabled. Shame!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Clinton posted Spanish translations of select tweets.
Desperté con la devastadora noticia de FL. Mientras esperamos más información,mis pensamientos están con los afectados de este horrible acto
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
Horrific incident in FL. Praying for all the victims & their families. When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don’t want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Trump tweeted in anticipation of Obama’s address to the nation.
Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism? If he doesn’t he should immediately resign in disgrace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Reporting that Orlando killer shouted “Allah hu Akbar!” as he slaughtered clubgoers. 2nd man arrested in LA with rifles near Gay parade.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Clinton’s account quoted her throughout her public statement.
“I join Americans in praying for the victims of the attack in Orlando.”
Hillary’s statement: https://t.co/MmaGjrSufr
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
“This was an act of terror. … This was also an act of hate.” —Hillary on the attack in Orlando https://t.co/MmaGjrSufr
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
Trump brought the election into the conversation.
“@WandaWalls20: @realDonaldTrump Please make us safe. We cannot have Hillary as president. We will be in so much trouble.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Clinton addressed the LGBT community and expressed her thoughts about gun control.
“To the LGBT community: please know that you have millions of allies across our country. I am one of them.” —Hillary https://t.co/MmaGjrSufr
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
“We need to keep guns like the ones used last night out of the hands of terrorists or other violent criminals.” —Hillary on the FL attack
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
“This is a time to stand together and resolve to do everything we can to defend our communities and country.” —Hillary on the attack in FL
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
Declaraciones de Hillary Clinton sobre el ataque en Orlando. https://t.co/onc4230GUH
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
Trump ended the day’s tweets by commenting on what he felt the nation needed from its leadership.
What has happened in Orlando is just the beginning. Our leadership is weak and ineffective. I called it and asked for the ban. Must be tough
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Even though each candidate chose to address the tragedy differently, they both were united in sharing their condolences for the victims and their families.
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