Orlando shooting: U.S President Obama to visit victims’ families

New Delhi: U.S President Barack Obama will be travelling to Orlando on Thursday, to pay homage to the victims who were massacred when a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub, in Orlando killing almost 50 people. The Deputy Chief of Mission Michael P. Pelletier also grieved victims’ families and said "We express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were brutally massacred in the Orlando, Florida nightclub attacks on Sunday June 12. The U.S. stands firmly by the principles of equality for all, including for members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals, Transgender and intersex community worldwide". (As reported by news agency ANI) President Obama highly condemned the incident and described the heart wrenching attack as "an act of terror and hate". He also said that the nation grieves the horrific massacre which claimed lives of dozens of innocent people. Further clarifying the country’s stand on the incident, he added that “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. And no act of hate or terror will ever change who we are or the values that make us Americans". According to agency sources, the U.S Embassy will be raising a rainbow flag along with American flag, following the mourning period of the victims of the Orlando attack.