Donald Trump urged the United States to "get tough" against terrorists. | M. Scott Mahaskey/POLITICO Trump takes credit for 'being right on radical Islamic terrorism'

Donald Trump wasted little time seeking political advantage in the massacre at a Florida nightclub, taking credit for “being right on radical Islamic terrorism” in the wake of the worst mass shooting in American history.

The suspect in the attack, identified by authorities as a U.S. citizen of Afghan descent named Omar Saddiqui Mateen, killed 49 people and injured another 53 during a rampage through a gay dance club in Orlando. He died in a gunfight with SWAT officers after initially firing shots into the club and later taking hostages.


FBI special-agent-in-charge Ron Hopper told reporters that Mateen had been interviewed twice in 2013 after he made comments to co-workers about potential ties to terror groups, and another time in 2014. Just before his bloody rampage on Sunday Mateen called 911 to proclaim “allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State,” Hopper said.

“Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!” Trump tweeted.

Trump followed up that tweet with a statement expressing his "deepest sympathy and support" for "the victims, the wounded, and their families."

But he also attacked President Barack Obama, whom he said "disgracefully refused to even say the words 'Radical Islam'" during his comments on Sunday afternoon. "For that reason alone, he should step down."

Obama condemned the attack as "an act of terror and an act of hate," but declined to identify a motive. “We’ve reached no definitive judgment on the precise motivations of the killer,” the president said. “The FBI is appropriately investigating this as an act of terrorism, and I’ve directed that we must spare no effort to determine what, if any, inspiration or association this killer may have had with terrorist groups.”

Trump also went after his Democratic rival for the White House, writing, "If Hillary Clinton, after this attack, still cannot say the two words 'Radical Islam' she should get out of this race for the Presidency."

"If we do not get tough and smart real fast, we are not going to have a country anymore," Trump continued. "Because our leaders are weak, I said this was going to happen – and it is only going to get worse. I am trying to save lives and prevent the next terrorist attack. We can't afford to be politically correct anymore."

Trump then noted the killer's ethnicity and religious faith, citing Pew statistics showing that "99% of people in Afghanistan support oppressive Sharia Law."

He accused Clinton of wanting to "dramatically increase admissions from the Middle East, bringing in many hundreds of thousands during a first term," warning that "hundreds of migrants and their children have been implicated in terrorism in the United States" since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. "We will have no way to screen them, pay for them, or prevent the second generation from radicalizing."

"We need to protect all Americans, of all backgrounds and all beliefs, from Radical Islamic Terrorism - which has no place in an open and tolerant society," Trump concluded. "Radical Islam advocates hate for women, gays, Jews, Christians and all Americans. I am going to be a President for all Americans, and I am going to protect and defend all Americans. We are going to make America safe again and great again for everyone."



The Twittersphere didn't take too kindly to Trump's self-congratulatory tweet.

Actor-activist George Takei tweeted: "Once again, Donald, you have shown why you cannot lead us. 50 people are dead, and you bask in congratulations."

Sen. John McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain, also hit Trump: "@realDonaldTrump You're congratulating yourself because 50 people are dead this morning in a horrific tragedy?"

Rob Flaherty, of Hillary Clinton's campaign, said: "This narcissistic man baby can't help but try to make a national tragedy about how many congratulations he's due."

Earlier on Sunday, Trump was the first remaining presidential candidate to speak about the massacre, tweeting about the “really bad shooting in Orlando.”

“Police investigating possible terrorism. Many people dead and wounded,” he wrote.

After the death toll had risen from an estimated 20 to a confirmed 50 with dozens more injured, Trump tweeted again, offering his condolences and urging the U.S. to “get tough.”

“Horrific incident in FL. Praying for all the victims & their families,” he said. “When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?”

Minutes before President Barack Obama spoke, Trump tweeted:

Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism? If he doesn't he should immediately resign in disgrace! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016

It's hardly the first time Trump has sought political edge after a terrorist attack — during the Republican primary, he repeatedly credited his statements linking terrorism to Islam for his high poll numbers.

“This is what I’ve been saying for a long time, and I guess it’s at least a small part of the reason why I’m the No. 1 front-runner,” he said in March after the attacks in Brussels. “I mean, people are very concerned about this, and they’re very concerned about the security of this country.”

