3rd LD: U.S. president calls Florida shooting act of terror and hate

U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday called the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Florida an "act of terror" and "act of hate."

"Although it's still early in the investigation, we know enough to say that this was an act of terror and an act of hate," said Obama in the White House briefing room.

At least 50 people were killed and 53 others wounded, including a police officer, early Sunday in the shooting at the popular gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida. It is the deadliest shooting incident in U.S. history.

The gunman, identified by authorities as Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, Florida, was found dead inside the nightclub after a shootout with the police.

Then the suspect went back into the club to continue shooting and took hostages.

About three hours after the shooting first broke out, police shot and killed the suspect during actions to rescue the hostages.

"It appeared he was organized and well-prepared," said Orlando Police Chief John Mina at an earlier press conference, adding that the suspect had an assault-type weapon and a handgun.

So far, it remained unknown if Mateen was motivated by the terror group IS. FBI officials said Mateen called 911 before the shooting and was once investigated for Islamic ties.

The latest media reports also said IS has claimed responsibility for the nightclub attack in Orlando.

President Obama has ordered U.S. flags at half-staff.

Obama's statement on Sunday marked at least the 20th time he had addressed the nation on the topic of mass shooting during his presidency.

Calling the Florida shooting spree "the most deadly shooting in American history," Obama again reminded the country of the sober reality that "how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon" that could launch mass killing. Endit