Thomson Reuters
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks about the worst mass shooting in U.S. history that took place in Orlando, Florida, at the White House in Washington.
He says it appears the shooter was inspired by extremist information disseminated over the internet, and wasn't directed by ISIS.
"This is certainly an example of the kind of home-grown extremism that all of us have been so concerned about for a long time," Obama said.
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.
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.
"We're still looking at all the motivations of the killer, but it's a reminder that regardless of race, religion, faith, or sexual orientation, we're all Americans. We need to be looking after each other and protecting each other at all times in the face of this terrible act," Obama said.
Obama spoke in the Oval Office after getting briefed on the investigation by FBI Director James Comey, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and other officials.