If you only read one thing: The killing of 49 early Sunday morning in an LGBT nightclub in Orlando became the deadliest terror attack in the U.S. since 9/11 and the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, reigniting the debates over terrorism and gun control and re-injecting them into the presidential race. As law enforcement investigates the shooter, Omar Mateen, who apparently pledged loyalty to ISIS during a phone call with police, lawmakers and candidates are formulating their response to the shooting—and in the case of the presidential race, looking for how to use the situation to their advantage.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are set to deliver contrasting speeches on national security and the threat of terrorism Monday in response to the attack, adjusting their schedules but not retreating from the campaign trail either. Clinton will respond first at an event in Cleveland, where her team was still debating how political to make their response. Trump leaned into the crisis almost immediately, saying the shooting vindicated his call for a ban on Muslim immigration to the U.S.—even though the shooter was born in the country—and his calls for tougher leadership.
For the 15th time since taking office, President Obama was forced to address the nation to confront a mass shooting, but in the waning days of his administration, there was little Obama could offer on his longstanding call for tougher gun control laws than an effort to guilt congressional lawmakers. The White House said Obama will continue to be briefed on the attack Monday, and he is expected to visit Orlando for an as-yet-to-be-scheduled memorial for the victims.
Here are your must-reads:
Must Reads
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump to Confront Orlando Shooting
A study in contrasts after worst terror attack in U.S. since 9/11, TIME’s Philip Elliott writes
President Obama: Orlando Shootings Were Act of ‘Terror’ and ‘Hate’
Renews call for debate over gun control [TIME]
Hope Fades and Anguish Sets in as Family, Friends Await Word of Orlando Shooting Victims
Shocked family members await news [TIME]
Romney Rips 2016 Also-Rans for Losing to Trump
Mitt gets emotional: ‘Seeing this just breaks your heart’ [Politico]
Sound Off
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.” — President Obama addressing the shooting in Orlando Sunday
“What has happened in Orlando is just the beginning. Our leadership is weak and ineffective. I called it and asked for the ban. Must be tough” — Trump in a Twitter posting Sunday afternoon
Bits and Bites
Read President Obama’s Speech on the Orlando Nightclub Shootings [TIME]
Donald Trump Slams ‘Weak’ Leaders After Orlando Shooting [TIME]
Hillary Clinton on Orlando Shooting: ‘Hate Has Absolutely No Place in America’ [TIME]
Tweaks to North Carolina ‘Bathroom Bill’ Unlikely to Satisfy Critics [TIME]
Hillary Clinton Campaign Releases Fake Infomercial for Trump University [TIME]
Bernie Sanders to Meet With Hillary Clinton After D.C. Primary [Associated Press]
Broadway Wants Longer Tax Break as ‘Hamilton’ Prints Money [Bloomberg]
Hillary Clinton’s First Speech as Presumptive Nominee Puts ‘Women’s Issues’ Front and Center [TIME]
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