"Donald Trump put out political attacks, weak platitudes and self-congratulations," Jennifer Palmieri wrote of his response to the Orlando shooting. "Trump has offered no real plans to keep our nation safe and no outreach to the Americans targeted, just insults and attacks. In times of crisis more than ever, Americans are looking for leadership and deserve better."
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Not long after President Obama addressed the nation and presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton weighed in on Facebook with their reaction to the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, Donald Trump released his own statement criticizing their responses.
Here's the beginning of Trump's statement, where he calls for Barack Obama to step down from the presidency because he "refused" to say "radical Islam."
Last night, our nation was attacked by a radical Islamic terrorist. It was the worst terrorist attack on our soil since 9/11, and the second of its kind in 6 months. My deepest sympathy and support goes out to the victims, the wounded, and their families.
Trump went on to say that he predicted such an attack would happen:
Because our leaders are weak, I said this was going to happen -- and it is only going to get worse. I am trying to save lives and prevent the next terrorist attack. We can't afford to be politically correct anymore.
On Twitter, Trump said he "appreciated the congrats," alluding to his proposed ban on allowing Muslims to enter the country. Mateen, who has been identified as the lone shooter in the Orlando attack, was born in New York and was a U.S. citizen. His parents reportedly immigrated to the U.S. from Afghanistan.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, who recently announced that he will endorse Trump for president, released his own statement about the attack via Twitter.
Vigils for the victims of the Orlando attack are scheduled across the country and there are several ways people can help in wake of the tragedy.
