Taoiseach Enda Kenny has tonight sent a letter of condolence to US president Barack Obama over the “shocking” loss of life in the Orlando mass shootings, saying “Ireland stands with the US in this time of immeasurable grief”, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith – Irish Examiner.

Responding to the murder of 50 people and the shooting of 53 more survivors in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday night, the Fine Gael leader said the attack was unthinkable and led to people being “senselessly killed and injured”.

On Saturday night, a US born gunman identified as 29-year-old Omar Mateen opened fire at the Pulse nightclub where more than 350 people were enjoying an evening out.

In the worst mass shooting in US history, the son of immigrants from Afghanistan murder 50 people and injured 53 others.

In a 911 call before he was shot dead by police, the FBI said Mr Mateen pledged his allegiance to Islamic State, although officials cautioned there is no evidence of any direct connection between the attacker and the extremist group.

In a letter of condolence to the US tonight, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said what happened was senseless and said Ireland “stands with the US in this time of immeasurable grief”.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Ireland, I offer our sincere condolences on the shocking loss of life in Orlando today,” Mr Kenny wrote in the letter to US president Barack Obama.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the United States, the community in Orlando and the LGBT community, and above all with the families and loved ones of those so senselessly killed and injured.

Once again we have witnessed the horror of young people being attacked as they enjoy themselves in their own community. Words cannot capture the shock and revulsion felt in Ireland, and around the world, at this outrage.

Ireland stands with the United States in this time of immeasurable grief,” he wrote.