In the wake of the devastating attacks at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida that claimed 50 lives and injured dozens more, US presidential Hillary Clinton And Donald Trump responded in two very different ways.
While Clinton opted to steer clear of politics, declaring, “Today is not a day for politics,” and rather calling for the nation – and the world- to stand together against terrorism.
Trump however used the opportunity to slam Clinton as well as President Obama’s “weak” stance on terrorism and suggesting that all Muslim immigrants pose a threat to safety.
“The bottom line is that the only reason the [Orlando] killer was in America in the first place was because we allowed his family to come here,” Trump said in an address in Manchester, N.H.
“A radical Islamic terrorist targeted the nightclub not only because he wanted to kill Americans, but in order to execute gay and lesbian citizens because of their sexual orientation,” he continued. “It’s a strike at the heart and soul of who we are as a nation. It’s an assault on the ability of free people to live their lives, love who they want and express their identity.”
In contrast, Clinton called for a united front, citing the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and how it brought people together in solidarity against terrorism, rather than calling upon “inflammatory anti-Muslim rhetoric”.
“Our open, diverse society is an asset in the struggle against terrorism, not a liability,” she said.
“America is strongest when we all believe we have a stake in our country and our future.”
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