Taylor Swift Posts Handwritten Message to Orlando Shooting Victims

Taylor Swift sent a powerful and moving message to the families and survivors affected by the terrible mass shooting in Orlando in a post to social media on Friday (June 17).

The country and pop superstar begins her handwritten message with, "To the families of ...," and proceeds to write out the names of all of the victims of the mass shooting, which took place at a gay nightclub called Pulse in Orlando last Sunday (June 12).

"As you bury your loved ones this week, please know that there are millions of us sending you love and our deepest sympathy in the face of this unthinkable and devastating tragedy," Swift adds in the caption for the photo of her letter, which she posted to Instagram.

49 people were killed and at least 53 more were injured in the attack, which took place around 2AM. According to CNN,  Omar Mateen opened fire inside the nightclub early Sunday, then took hostages in a several-hour standoff with authorities. He was killed after police broke down the door of the building around 5AM with an armored vehicle. Investigators say Mateen was radicalized online, and his beliefs helped motivate the crime. They've also theorized that he was a closeted gay man lashing out at those living openly.

Swift is the latest country star to voice support for the victims and supporters of the crime, which is the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. A number of artists turned to social media to post their thoughts, and several artists have dedicated songs to the victims in the days since the attack.  Luke Bryan asked for a moment of silence during his show at CMA Fest, and Little Big Town recently dedicated their song “Miracle” to the victims and their loved ones.

A number of country stars will come together on June 21 in Florida for a benefit concert to raise money for the OneOrlando Fund, which Mayor Buddy Dyer created to help address the needs of the people and communities impacted by the shooting. The bill includes Tyler Farr, Maddie & Tae, Cole Swindell and more.

More Artists Comment on the Orlando Nightclub Massacre