The Safety Check, first introduced in October 2014, allows Facebook users to spread the word that they are safe in wake of a natural disaster or a crisis, and allows searches for those who might be in the affected area.
Deadly rampage: Orlando hit by worst shooting in US history
"Waking up this morning, I was horrified to hear about the shooting in Orlando. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the LGBT community," said Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on his official account.
A gunman armed with an assault rifle killed 50 people at a packed gay nightclub in Orlando on Sunday in the worst mass shooting in US history. Police killed the shooter at the Pulse nightclub, who was identified as Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old Florida resident and US citizen.
US Muslim leader condemns Orlando attack, slams extremists
The incident quickly emerged as a top trending topic on Facebook and Twitter with hashtag #PrayforOrlando being one of the top posts throughout the day. Last year, Facebook vowed to turn on the Safety Check more often during disasters in response to criticism that it enabled the function after Islamic State militant attacks on Paris and not a day earlier when a bomb killed at least 43 people in Beirut.
What gives? My heart is breaking right now for the victims and families of this heartless act. I just don't get it.#PrayForOrlando
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) June 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/jamiechung1/status/742206340454486016
disgusted by the pure evil that seems to suffocate some. my heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. #PrayForOrlando
— Emma Kenney 🌹 (@EmmaRoseKenney) June 13, 2016
Hope everyone is safe this weekend. #prayfororlando
— Morphe (@MorpheBrushes) June 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/marissafarina/status/742188717159370752
Shocking, horrifying news last night. So tragic. #PrayForOrlando . 🙏🏼😢 God bless the souls of… https://t.co/sEhGMtZD5I
— Christine Babao (@ChristineBBabao) June 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/machineheart/status/742182904327872512
Jessica you're #prayfororlando tweet last night was so touching you're really a good person
— Brandon williams (@hawaiinshirts) June 13, 2016
#PrayForOrlando . Can't get you off my mind.
— OOKAY (@Ookay) June 13, 2016
Mothers not knowing if their child is alive or dead, brings tears to my eyes. My heart is so heavy. #PrayForOrlando 😢💔
— Jenelle Evans (@PBandJenelley_1) June 13, 2016
cannot believe this happened. How is anyone suppose to feel safe anymore? Glad they got the shooter but this is devastating. #prayfororlando
— Jenelle Evans (@PBandJenelley_1) June 13, 2016
Being gay isn't someone's choice, shooting up a night club is. #PrayForOrlando
— LAURENCE (@ClassyLaurence) June 13, 2016
PRAY FOR MY CITY & OUR PEOPLE!
— iEatLatinasWithAdobo (@foreign__prince) June 13, 2016
Stay Strong My City Beautiful, we'll get through this like anything else we have as a country #PrayForOrlando
My heart breaks for all of the people killed, wounded, and affected by this act of terrorism. #PrayForOrlando
— KevinJonasSr (@PapaJonas) June 12, 2016
Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. #PrideTO #PrayForOrlando pic.twitter.com/7x8gmOKbYa
— Pride Toronto (@PrideToronto) June 13, 2016
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