After 50 people were shot dead in a gay nightclub in Orlando on Saturday night, celebrities from John Legend to Cheryl have been speaking up, paying their condolences to the victims and calling for action on gun violence.
The shooting took place at Pulse nightclub, when a gunman took over 100 people hostage and opened fire, killing 50 and injuring another 53. Nightclub staff posted on the club's official Facebook page as the events unfolded, urging those who could to get out and run away as far as they could.
© Photo: InstagramTributes to the victims have been pouring in on social media
Described by police as an act of terrorism, the high death toll has also marked this as the worst mass shooting in recent US history – and celebrities including John Legend and Julianne Moore have immediately began demanding a change to gun laws in the US.
"Horrified by the mass shooting in Orlando," John Legend wrote on Twitter. "When will we do something to prevent these killing sprees?"
Julianne herself wrote: "How many people have to be killed before we act as a nation to #EndGunViolence? #Orlando @Everytown @MomsDemand."
Meanwhile, stars such as Cheryl, Reese Witherspoon, and Kelly Rowland took to social media to share their horror at the events and send their condolences to the victims and their families.
"What is wrong with the world so incredibly sad," tweeted Cheryl. "Prayers to the victims and loved ones #Orlando."
Reese Witherspoon also took to social media and admitted she was "heartbroken" by the news. "I'm heartbroken by this tragedy," she explained. "Praying for Orlando and the suffering created by this senseless violence."
"Heartbreaking. #PrayForOrlando," Kelly wrote.
US Amongst stars including Boy George, Nicky Hilton, Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also opened up about the shooting. "Woke up to hear the devastating news from FL," she wrote. "As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act."
