Orlando nightclub shooting: Music industry stars show support for LGBT community

As the death toll from the mass shooting in Orlando rises, prominent figures in the music industry have taken to social media to express their shock and condolences. The death toll is reportedly at 59, with 53 said to be injured after lone gunman, Omar Mateen, 29, went on a rampage at the Pulse LGBT club, armed with a handgun and a semi-automatic rifle.

The incident, which has been described as the worst mass shooting in US history, has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media as ordinary members of the public and celebrities come together to show their solidarity.

"When will we do something to prevent these killing sprees?" said an incensed John Legend.

Beth Ditto spoke of "the horror and the sadness" while singer Adam Lambert posted an emotional tweet writing: "My thoughts and prayers are with my brothers and sisters who were at Orlando's Pulse Nightclub."

L'il Kim tweeted: "#prayfororlando My heart goes out to all the families and friends."

Arianna Grande expressed her disbelief writing: "Praying for the families of the Orlando victims. I am so sorry."

In a series of emotive tweets, veteran singer Cher joined the growing clamour for the US government to address their gun laws, calling for them to be banned.

Time After Time singer Cyndi Lauper reiterated the sentiment saying: "I am devastated by the shooting in Orlando. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Why is it easy to get a semi automatic weapon?" (sic)

"This is devastating.... Our hearts are breaking for the victims in Orlando and their families. #PrayForOrlando" wrote Fifth Harmony.

Elton John tweeted a message on behalf of himself and his husband David Furnish saying: "Our hearts go out to all the families and loved ones of those lost in Orlando. #prayfororlando #loveisthecure"

A shocked Justin Timberlake said: "More love, less hate. Pray for Orlando".

As news of the massacre broke, the music world was already reeling after the shooting of The Voice singer Christina Grimmie. The 22-year-old was shot at about 22:45 local time on Friday (10 June) while signing autographs at a merchandise table, backstage after a concert.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing three shots as the gunman opened fire in front of 60 teenagers. The gunman, 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl of St. Petersburg, Florida, killed himself at the scene after being tackled by Christina's brother Mark.

One Direction singer Harry Styles posted a photo of the rainbow colours of the LGBT community on Instagram as he showed his support for the community who are the latest innocent victims of hate and terror.

"Say it. HATE CRIME. Listen to the words as they tumble out of your lips," said DJ JD Samson.

Earlier President Obama branded the attack on the LGBT community as "an attack against us all."

"The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance, and to sing, and to live. That place where they were attacked was more than a nightclub. It's a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds and to advocate for their civil rights," the president said.

He continued: "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."

As the entertainment world shows its solidarity for the LGBT community and unites to condemn terrorism, it has been announced that The Tony Awards will be dedicated to the people of Orlando as they come to terms with the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

"Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando," the Tonys producers said in a statement. "The Tony Awards dedicate tonight's ceremony to them."

The Tonys, taking place at Manhattan's Beacon Theater, will be hosted by James Corden of CBS's "Late Late Show.".

The Broadway smash musical "Hamilton", which earned a record 16 Tony nominations has announced they will not use of muskets in its performance at the Tony Awards on Sunday night, in the wake of the shooting.

The musical will instead use pantomime to represent warfare during an 18th-century battle scene in the song "Yorktown," the New York Times reports, citing a spokesman for the show.

As the investigation continues, the FBI attempt to determine whether gunman Omar Mateen had links to Islamic State, the world grieves with Orlando.