WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Barack Obama says there's no clear evidence that the shooter at an Orlando nightclub was directed to conduct his attack or part of a larger plot.
Gunman example of "homegrown extremism" U.S. officials have been worrying about for years, @POTUS. pic.twitter.com/buhyj5Cf08
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) June 13, 2016
He says it appears the shooter was inspired by extremist information disseminated over the internet.
Obama says the investigation is at the preliminary stages and is being treated as a terrorism investigation. He says the attack appears to be similar to last year's shooting spree in San Bernardino, California.
.@POTUS on self-radicalized individuals in USA: It's a problem that they can purchase weapons legally. #OmarMateen bought guns 2 days before
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) June 13, 2016
The president says investigators are still looking into the motivations of the shooter, including the fact that the shooting took place at a gay venue.
Obama spoke in the Oval Office after being briefed on the investigation by FBI Director James Comey, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and other officials.
.@POTUS on mass shootings: "It's a problem, for a young man who can walk into church in S.C. and murder people who offered to pray w/ him."
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) June 13, 2016
"It's crazy. It's a problem. We have to, I think, do some soul-searching." - @POTUS on access to weapons by radicals pic.twitter.com/hxS4ULvBWb
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) June 13, 2016
“Women being in power is threatening to them.” - @POTUS on ideologies of extreme groups that likely influenced #OmarMateen online.
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) June 13, 2016
.@POTUS: Versions of Islam on Internet something we'll keep dealing w/ moving forward, just as impt as other threats pic.twitter.com/AqTvkQs58M
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) June 13, 2016
Associated Press
