As information trickles in about the shooting that left 49 dead and 53 injured at a popular gay nightclub during Gay Pride Week, many have taken to social media to express condolences and share theories.
There is not a lot known about the shooter or shooting that took 49 lives early on Sunday morning in one of the largest gay clubs in Orlando. However, with Orlando being the top trending tweet, it has not stopped anyone from sharing what they believe is to blame.
Initially police announced that 50 people had been killed, apparently mistakenly counting Mateen as a victim.
The facts about the Pulse shooting remain scarce, but one thing is known: Pulse was a safe space for LGBT individuals. In addition, this week marked celebrations of gay pride in the face of homophobia just a year after same sex marriages became legal in the US.
#GunControlNow is one of the top trends on Twitter as liberal minded social media users demand a change in US gun control laws.
“Islamic” is also trending on Twitter, and many conservative voices have placed the blame on the suspected shooter’s religion.
Others, however, have said the shooter’s religion is not an excuse for more hate.