Sport unites to condemn Orlando shootings
The sports world has united to strongly condemn the worst mass shooting in US history.
Armed with multiple weapons, Omar Mateen opened fire early on Sunday morning at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, murdering 50 people and wounding at least 53 others before a SWAT team killed him.
In France, home for the next month to the UEFA European Championships, the Eiffel Tower will be lit in US colors to honor the victims.
#EiffelTower to be lit in #US colours after #Orlando killings https://t.co/EQ0czqyUCKpic.twitter.com/FyBTiB8L6V
— The Gulf Today (@thegulftoday) June 13, 2016
Ex-England striker Gary Lineker, who is currently working as a presenter for BBC TV at the Euros, tweeted his sadness about the events in Orlando.
Almost cocoon like existence at @UEFAEURO but the shooting in Orlando sure puts things into perspective. Horrifyingly sad!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 12, 2016
Sports stars and clubs across the US also expressed their horror at Sunday's shootings, with Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James paying his respects at a press conference ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
"It's another hit for us as Americans and what we have to deal with in our world today," he said.
"It definitely puts things in perspective on basketball for myself - it's just a small matter of what reality really is.
"My prayers to all the lost ones and all the ones that are recovering from this morning's tragedy in Orlando."
Sunday's Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals between Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks saw a moment of silence observed before the game, while those in attendance at baseball games across the US also paid their respects.
A moment of silence for the victims and their families of the Orlando tragedy. https://t.co/9fBmdI69YP
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) June 13, 2016
Michael Sam, the first openly gay player in NFL history, posted on Instagram saying: "50 people lost their lives because of a hateful coward with a gun. Let this hateful act of terror of the #LGBTQ community be a wake up call for America."
Shaquille O'Neal, who began his NBA career with the Orlando Magic, tweeted "My thoughts & prayers go out to my Orlando LGBT community brothers and sister during this senseless act of violence. Love is Love!"
My thoughts & prayers go out to my Orlando LGBT community brothers and sister during this senseless act of violence.
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) June 12, 2016
Love is Love!
The Magic also posted their own tribute on Twitter offering their condolences.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this morning's tragedy in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/BGnyscrzI6
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 12, 2016
The Islamic State terrorist group have claimed responsibility for the shooting in an official broadcast on the group's Albayan Radio station on Monday, according to Reuters.
"One of the Caliphate's soldiers in America carried out a security invasion where he was able to enter a crusader gathering at a nightclub for homosexuals in Orlando, Florida - where he killed and injured more than a hundred of them before he was killed," the group said.