Barack Obama has described the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando as an “act of terror”.
Speaking at the White House, the US President said the gun massacre, the worst in US history, was an “act of hate” as he pledged solidarity with Orlando.
At least 50 people were killed and 53 injured when a gunman, identified as Omar Mateen, opened fire at Pulse nightclub with an assault rifle in the early hours on Sunday.
Mr Obama said the shooter was “full of hatred” and that the FBI are investigating the slaughter as a “terrorist act”.
The President added the tragedy was a further reminder of how simple it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon to carry out an atrocity.
As Mr Obama delivered his address, presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump tweeted: “Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism?
“If he doesn't he should immediately resign in disgrace!”
The speech came as Isis reportedly claimed responsibility for the shooting.
Pulse nightclub shooting
The terror group said the gunman was an Islamic State fighter, according to a brief notice from a ISIS-affiliated news agency.
"The armed attack that targeted a gay night club in the city of Orlando in American state of Florida which left over 100 people dead or injured was carried out by an Islamic State fighter," said the Amaq statement.
US police departments are increasing patrols near venues frequented by the LGBT community in the wake of the shooting.
In Los Angeles, Santa Monica police arrested a “heavily armed person” who was on the way to a gay pride parade.
Mayor Eric Garcetti says the arrest was unrelated to the Orlando nightclub shooting.
