Donald Trump called on President Obama to resign for refusing to call the terrorist attack in Florida “radical Islamic terrorism.”
Reacting to the attack in Orlando perpetrated by a man who pledged his allegiance to ISIS and killed 50 people early Sunday, Obama called it an “act of terror” and an “act of hate.” (RELATED: 50 Dead, 53 Injured In Orlando Shooting — FBI Investigating Terror Ties)
Trump tweeted, “Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism? If he doesn’t he should immediately resign in disgrace!” (RELATED: White House Won’t Recognize Pulse Nightclub Attack As Radical Islamic Terrorism)
Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism? If he doesn’t he should immediately resign in disgrace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
According to reports, the perpetrator, Omar Mateen, called 911 to pledge his allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi prior to the attack. (RELATED: FBI: Suspect Bragged About Ties To ‘Terrorist Organizations’)
WATCH:
During Obama’s speech, he said, “We are still learning all the facts. This is an open investigation. We’ve reached no definitive judgment on the precise motivations of the killer. The FBI is appropriately investigating this as an act of terrorism. And I’ve directed that we must spare no effort to determine what — if any — inspiration or association this killer may have had with terrorist groups. What is clear is that he was a person filled with hatred. Over the coming days, we’ll uncover why and how this happened, and we will go wherever the facts lead us.”
Obama went on to say, “This is an especially heartbreaking day for all our friends — our fellow Americans — who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live. The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub — it is a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds, and to advocate for their civil rights. ”
“So this is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American — regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation — is an attack on all of us and on the fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us as a country,” Obama said. “And no act of hate or terror will ever change who we are or the values that make us Americans.”
Earlier in the day, Trump tweeted, “Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don’t want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!”
Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
According to reports, Mateen was a “known quantity” to the FBI. (RELATED: Orlando Shooter Omar Mateen Had Previously Been Investigated By FBI)