How The World Is Reacting To The Orlando Shooting

Update: In a press conference Monday morning, Orlando police confirmed that 49 people had been killed and 53 injured early Sunday morning at Orlando's Pulse gay nightclub in the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history. After opening fire on the crowd, an individual named Omar Mateen had taken hostages and was ultimately killed in a stand-off with police; Mateen had called 911 and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State shortly before the massacre. Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer declared a state of emergency, and the massacre is being investigated as an act of terrorism.

The victims' names were released by the city of Orlando on its website as their next of kin were informed. Here are some ways to help the Orlando shooting victims and their loved ones; you can also donate to the victims' fund, as well as express your solidarity with the LGBTQ community by posting a tribute online. You can also attend a vigil near you to honor the victims.

Earlier: On Sunday, during the early hours of June 12, a gunman entered Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, and opened fire. The attack killed 50 and wounded 53, making it the deadliest shooting in the history of the U.S., but as these international responses to the Orlando attacks show, the world has been shaken by the shooting as well.

In an address to the nation following the horrific attack, President Obama had this to say: "This is an especially heartbreaking day for all of our friends, our fellow Americans, who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. The shooter targeted a night club where people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live."

However, the U.S. isn't the only country to have been affected by the heartbreaking events in Orlando. Just as those of us who live in the U.S. felt the reverberations of the attacks on Paris and Brussels, other nations have been reacting to the Pulse shooting by showing their solidarity for the victims in Orlando. Many presidents, prime ministers, and leaders of international organizations have tweeted support for the U.S., creating an international outcry against the senseless violence in Florida. Here are some of those responses.

1. Tel Aviv Lights Up City Hall

2. The Pope Decries Shooting

3. Belgian Prime Minister Offers Condolences

4. British Prime Minister Sends Thoughts to Victims' Families

5. UN Secretary-General Condemns the Violence

6. Spanish Prime Minister Vows to Defend Liberty

Translation: I completely condemn the appalling attack on #Orlando. United, we will continue defending liberty against cruelty and hate. Spain with the U.S.

7. Canadian Prime Minister Stands with LGBT Community

8. Mexico Grieves for the Affected Families

Translation: Mexico grieves deeply for the acts of violence in Florida, and expresses solidarity for the affected families and the American people.

Images: Dov Lieber/Twitter