Rick Scott requests emergency declaration from Barack Obama after Orlando shooting

Gov. Rick Scott, center, addresses reporters during a news conference. | AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Gov. Rick Scott has requested President Barack Obama declare a state of emergency in Florida.

In a letter to the president Monday, Scott asked the president to declare an emergency in Florida for the “horrific massacre committed by a terrorist in Orlando.” The governor said he asked for the state of emergency so the full resources of the government can be made available for those impacted.

An armed gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside Pulse Orlando, a popular gay nightclub, early Sunday morning. Law enforcement officers have said 49 people were killed, and another 53 were hospitalized. The shooter — identified as Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie — was killed at the scene.

Scott said Monday he has been in constant contact with federal, state and local law enforcement officers. The Naples Republican also said he has spoken to the hospitals caring for the victims, and has been in touch with some of the victims’ families “to let them know we are grieving with them and will be there for them every step of the way.”

“Our state is mourning, but the Orlando community is strong. We are all coming together, and we will get through this together,” said Scott in a statement. “I ask every American to continue to pray for our state and nation and all those affected by this terror attack.”

Scott traveled to Orlando Sunday, where he was joined by Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera. In a statement Monday, Lopez-Cantera said he has been on the ground in Orlando and “the sense of community and love we see here is proof that we are a resilient people.”

“We as Americans have shown and will continue to show that we cannot and will not be intimidated into changing our way of life by evil,” said Lopez-Cantera in a statement. “The State of Florida has offered all resources available, and will continue to be in constant contact with all agencies involved. Our prayers are with those and their families devastated by last night’s act of terror, and we will be doing everything possible to support.”