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Russia's PM conveys condolences to US vice president over Orlando shooting

Overnight to Sunday, June 12, US citizen of Afghan descent Omar Matten opened fire at the Pulse gay club in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and injuring 53 more

© AP Photo/David Goldman

MOSCOW, June 15. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has conveyed condolences to US Vice President Joseph Biden over Sunday’s attack at the Orlando club, the governmental press service said on Wednesday.

"On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and myself personally, I convey sincerest condolences over numerous victims of the armed attack in Orlando," Medvedev wrote in a telegram.

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"We decisively condemn this barbaric crime. I ask you to convey the words of compassion and support to the relatives of those killed, and best wishes for soonest recovery to those injured," Medvedev said.

It was earlier reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin said in the telegram with condolences that Russia shares the pain and grief of those who lost their family members and friends as a result of this barbaric crime and hopes for the soonest recovery of those injured.

Overnight to Sunday, June 12, US citizen of Afghan descent Omar Matten opened fire at the Pulse gay club in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and injuring 53 more. Mateen, armed with a handgun and an assault rifle that he purchased legally, was killed by police. Media reported that the attacker pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization (banned in Russia).

According to CNN, the attack at the Orlando club was the deadliest mass shooting in US modern history. Other deadliest incidents include the shooting at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 2007 that left 32 people dead, and Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012 that left 27 people dead.

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