"This phenomenon of near constant mass shootings happens only in America — nowhere else," said Christopher Murphy, a long-time vocal gun control advocate, who officially represents families in Newtown, where mass shooting took place in December 2012.
"As we learn more in shock and horror about the deadliest mass shooting in our history, my heart breaks for the families of loved ones lost or injured — and for our nation, continuing to suffer from this unspeakable epidemic of gun violence," said Richard Blumenthal, who advocated a ban on rifle magazines of over 10 bullets, earning an F-rating ("True enemy of gun owner's rights") by the US National Rifle Association.
"The Senate's inaction on common sense gun violence prevention makes it complicit in this public health crisis. Prayers and platitudes are insufficient. The American public is beseeching us to act on common sense, sensible gun violence prevention measures, and we must heed that call," he added.
A gunman name Omar Mateen killed 50 people and injured at least 53 at Pulse, a gay nightclub in downtown Orlando, in what police are calling the worst shooting in American history. Mateen has been killed by Orlando police after he reportedly took hostages inside the club.