A shocking 50 deaths have been reported in the Orlando gay nightclub shooting – and police report 53 more are injured, some critically. Celebrity reactions began early this morning as details emerged. The shooter was revealed as Omar Mateen, a US citizen of Afghani parents and the FBI announced that the tragedy at Orlando club Pulse will be investigated as an “act of terrorism.”
Here’s a look at some celebrity reactions on social media to the worst terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted: “Sending strength to our #Orlando victims & their families. Very angry, but you can’t break what you didn’t build. We will rise & perservere.”
Ariana Grande added on Twitter: “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.”
Marc Anthony Samuel (Felix DuBois on General Hospital) tweeted: “50 innocent souls. For no good reason. #orlando”
Backstreet Boys tweeted as a group: “We are absolutely devastated… Orlando is our hometown and to know people are hurting breaks out hearts.”
Modern Family’s Ariel Winter tweeted: “I am heartbroken..My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by last night’s tragedy in Orlando. (broken heart emoji)”
Kim Kardashian West shared this on Twitter: “I’m truly at a loss for words. To everyone in Orlando affected by this massacre, my thoughts, love, & prayers are with u (rainbow hearts)”
Newsman Dan Rather tweeted: “A deep, profound, and abiding sadness… this is how I feel in the wake of the sickening mass carnage in Orlando.”
Ricky Martin made a big statement tweeting: “I am gay and I am not afraid. Love conquers all. #PrayforOrlando”
Empire’s Jussie Smollett tweeted: “W/ every slur we throw about so carelessly & every turned cheek we possess, these crimes will continue. #PrayForOrlando”
Nick Jones posted this on Twitter: “My heart is broken this morning. So much hate in this world. So many beautiful innocent lives taken last night in Orlando. #PrayForOrlando”
Ellen DeGeneres tweeted just one word: “Sobbing.”
Kourtney Kardashian chimed in this afternoon on Twitter with: “Waking up to this horrifying and heartbreaking news. I don’t know what to say anymore. #PrayForHumanity #Orlando (rainbow hearts)”
Miley Cyrus’ dad Billy Ray Cyrus tweeted: “I am so sad and heartbroken over the tragedy in #Orlando. My thoughts and prayers are with you.”
The celebrity reactions keep rolling as the investigation continues into the terror attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Reportedly, blood donations are needed and you can donate at any Red Cross location to help the crisis as many injured are still in critical condition.