SINGAPORE — Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written to US President Barack Obama to convey his condolences on the shooting in Orlando, Florida.  

“I was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida over the weekend, resulting in the loss of many innocent lives and injuries to many more,” wrote Mr Lee. 

“On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I offer my deepest condolences to the victims and their families on this horrific tragedy,” he continued. “Nothing can excuse such brutal and senseless acts of violence. Singapore and Singaporeans stand in solidarity with the United States and the American people during this time of grief.”

On Facebook Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean also expressed his condolences. “I’ve been following the news of the tragic shootings in Orlando, and am saddened by the loss of so many innocent lives and the injuries to many more,” he wrote. “Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, and to those who are suffering from the trauma of the shooting.”

Mr Teo added: “Let us treasure the peace and harmony we enjoy in Singapore, and focus on the common humanity we share, rather than allow those with bad motives to divide us or create conflict.”

Earlier, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan had said he was "saddened by the senseless and tragic shootings at Orlando"; while on his Facebook post Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam called it "another senseless shooting" and "another act of terror".

"It just goes on and on," he continued. "The madness is not going to stop. We watch, and ask when and where such terror will strike next. And be prepared to respond hard and fast, if it comes here."

As of Monday (June 13), there are no reports of Singaporeans affected by the Orlando club shooting, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement.

Early on Sunday morning (US time), a gunman opened fire at a packed gay nightclub in Orlando — the worst mass shooting in American history. Fifty people died in the incident.

As of Sunday evening, seven names have been released. All were men, ranging in age from 20 to 36.

“Singapore strongly condemns the heinous attack that took place in Orlando on 12 June 2016 which resulted in many deaths and injuries,” said the MFA statement.

“There can be no justification for such actions. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives, and we hope for a speedy recovery for those who are injured.”

The Singapore Embassy in Washington DC has contacted most of the Singaporeans registered in Orlando and they are safe, the MFA added.

Singaporeans in Orlando are advised to exercise vigilance and follow the instructions of the US authorities, said the MFA.

The ministry also advised Singaporeans who are in Orlando and require consular assistance to contact the Singapore Embassy in Washington DC at singemb_was [at] mfa.sg or +1 (202) 537 3100.

Alternatively they may also contact the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at mfa_duty_officer [at] mfa.gov.sg or +65 6379 8800 / 8855.