San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee addresses Orlando mass shooting, vigil planned

Bay City News
Sunday, June 12, 2016
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee speaks to members of the media in Washington on May 24, 2016, following a meeting about preventing gun violence. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee speaks to members of the media in Washington on May 24, 2016, following a meeting about preventing gun violence. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has issued a statement regarding a mass shooting that killed at least 50 people early this morning at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, describing it as an "evil act of terror."

PHOTOS: Mass casualties in Orlando nightclub shooting

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Angel Mendez, standing outside the Orlando Regional Medical Center, holds up a cell phone photo trying to get information about his brother Jean C. Mendez.
AP

The shooting was first reported by police on Twitter just before 1 a.m. at Pulse nightclub and ended when officers fatally shot the suspected gunman, according to police.

READ MORE: Orlando mayor: 50 dead in nightclub shooting

In addition to the fatalities, 53 people were sent to the hospital, police said.

"San Francisco stands in solidarity with the community of Orlando and the nation in the aftermath of this terrible day," Lee said in the statement.

RELATED: Father of man named as Orlando shooter: 'We are in shock'

"This is a stark reminder that violence still threatens our LGBT community. Senseless acts of violence against innocents, fueled by hate and easy access to deadly firearms, have become all-too frequent. We must continue to work each day to reduce gun violence and ensure every community is safe."

A vigil will be held this evening at 8 p.m. at Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco to honor and remember the victims of the shooting.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the victims and families of the mass shooting in Orlando, click here for more information.

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Click here for full coverage on the deadly mass shooting in Orlando.

Florida's governor declared a state of emergency on June 12, 2016 following a deadly nightclub shooting.
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Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly joined us to discuss the Florida nightclub shooting.