In the wake of the deadliest shooting in US history, likely Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said he was "right on radical Islamic terrorism" and reiterated his call for a ban on Muslims entering the US.
"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," Trump wrote on Twitter.
"Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance," Trump tweeted. "We must be smart."
The Orlando shooter, who was killed by police, was identified as a Florida resident, Omar S. Mateen.
An FBI official said Mateen might have leanings toward Islamic State's ideology but cautioned that the suspected Islamist connection required further investigation.
Trump has proposed a temporary ban on Muslim immigration to the United States as a way to combat the threat of radical Islamist attacks.
Omar Mateen. Source: AAP
Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, tweeted a brief statement after the attacks, but did not speculate on the motives of the gunman.
"Woke up to hear the devastating news from (Florida). As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act," Clinton wrote.
Trump had earlier tweeted that he was praying for the victims and their families.
