Barack Obama has urged Americans to decide "what kind of country we want to be" after the worst mass shooting in US history.
In a press conference the US president condemned the Orlando massacre, which killed 50 people and injured 53, as an "act of terror and an act of hate."
His comments came as presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump reiterated his call for a ban on foreign-born Muslims entering the United States.
"What has happened in Orlando is just the beginning. Our leadership is weak and ineffective. I called it and asked for the ban. Must be tough," he tweeted.
In an earlier tweet, he wrote: "Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!"
Armed with an assault rifle and a handgun, the attacker Omar Mateen opened fire on revellers in a packed gay nightclub on Sunday morning.
The FBI said the 29-year-old - who was known to US authorities - legally purchased two firearms within the last week.
Stopping short of demanding stricter gun legislation, Barack Obama lamented "how easy it is" for criminals to purchase weapons.
"This massacre is a further reminder of how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon that lets them shoot people in a school, or in a house of worship, or in a movie theatre, or in a nightclub," he said.
"We have to decide if that is the kind of country we want to be.
"To actively do nothing is a decision as well," he added.
Mr Obama said the shooter had targeted a "place of "solidarity and empowerment" where "people came together to be with friends, to dance, sing and live."
"This is an especially heartbreaking day for our friends and fellow Americans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender," he said.
Echoing Mr Obama's words, Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton said steps must be taken to keep guns like the ones used in the shooting "out of the hands of terrorists or other violent criminals."
"The gunman attacked an LGBT nightclub during Pride Month. To the LGBT community: please know that you have millions of allies across our country. I am one of them," she said in a statement.
She has postponed her first joint campaign event with President Barack Obama "in light of the attack".
Outside the United States, world leaders have lined up to condemn the massacre.
In a statement, the Vatican said Pope Francis wished to express the "deepest feelings of horror" at the "homicidal folly and senseless hatred."
Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "I'm horrified by reports of the overnight shooting in Orlando. My thoughts are with the victims and their families."
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