Donald Trump criticised for self-congratulatory tweet after mass shooting
Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump faced criticism after posting a self-congratulatory tweet about the massacre in Orlando.
The outspoken right-wing politician and businessman said he had been "right on radical Islamic terrorism" in a post released minutes after the horrific death toll was announced by police.
Having said he was praying for victims' families, he wrote: "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
Following US president Barack Obama's speech he added: "Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism? If he doesn't he should immediately resign in disgrace!"
Former Labour shadow cabinet minister Chuka Umunna was among those to criticise the "congrats" remark, with the Streatham MP tweeting: "Why am I no longer surprised to read such nonsense from this man. Totally unfit for any office."
In the US, former Star Trek actor George Takei, a prominent gay rights activist, said: "Once again, Donald, you have shown why you cannot lead us. 50 people are dead, and you bask in congratulations."
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
