Getty More Americans have been killed at home by guns than in their combined wars

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And the shocking numbers total more than those killed in all of the wars the country has ever fought. America is waking up to a stark reality of its gun laws after 50 people were assassinated and 53 injured in a horror shooting in Orlando, Florida in the early hours of Sunday morning. Suspect 29-year-old Omar Mateen, who was born in New York to Afghan parents, assassinated hostages during his three hour killing spree before he died in gunfight with Swat officers. He is said to have driven for two hours to execute his plan at the Pure nightclub deliberately targeting members of the gay, lesbian and transgender community. But as calls grow for a clamp down on the sale of guns and semi-automatic weapons in the country, it can be revealed more people have been shot to death than all of America’s casualties from war.

Getty Americans regularly visit shooting ranges to carry out target practice

According to analysts, in 2015 there were 1,516,863 gun-related deaths since 1968, compared to 1,396,733 cumulative war deaths since the American Revolution. A report by website Politifact says: "These figures refer to all gunfire-related deaths, not just homicides. "In fact, homicides represent a minority of gun deaths, with suicides comprising the biggest share. "In 2013, according to CDC data, 63 percent of gun-related deaths were from suicides, 33 percent were from homicides, and roughly 1 percent each were from accidents, legal interventions and undetermined causes." The worrying figures add weight to the argument, supported by President Barack Obama, to bring in new legislation on guns. He has faced an uphill struggle to pass laws through congress due to the large pro-gun lobby after horrendous attacks including the Sandyhook massacre where 20-year-old Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children aged between 6 and 7 years old, as well as six adult staff members in 2012.

Getty More Americans have died in gun related incidents than at war

We have to talk about how guns come into the hands of violent and unstable people Orlando State Senator Geraldine Thompson

In America members of the public can attend gun shows and buy dangerous weapons, including machine guns, without using identification. They can also purchase guns at shops including supermarkets like Walmart as well as buy pistols, shotguns and ammunition online. Walmart even sells a £35 Kalashnikov AK47 AEG semi- and full-automatic softair file for those who want to learn to shoot. They also sell precision bullets, handguns, rifles and revolvers.

PA The stories of each of the victims of the massacre are beginning to emerge

Their right to do so comes under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." But the free availability of guns is coming under fire from politicians who are demanding new legislation is put in place to clamp down on the free sale of weapons. Orlando State Senator Geraldine Thompson was left reeling from the attacks and said she was praying for those involved and the state and federal law enforcement officers investigating the act which she called deplorable. And she is calling for far reaching reforms to help eradicate guns from the streets.

REUTERS Police said this Kevlar helmet saved one of their officer's lives during the Orlando shooting