Facebook users in the Orlando area were given the option to mark themselves 鈥渟afe鈥� in the aftermath of a mass shooting at a gay nightclub.
At least after a gunman opened fire inside Orlando鈥檚 Pulse nightclub early Sunday. Officials say another 53 people are in hospital. The shooting has been described as the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
Facebook activated the safety feature in hours following the deadly attack.
Getting Facebook notifications of friends in Orlando "marked safe." Welcome to America, 2016.
鈥� Thomas Whitley (@thomaswhitley)
Never thought I'd see the day that Facebook would send me a "are you safe?" text message.
鈥� Stephen DeAugustino (@DeAugieDogie)
Phone starting to blow up w marked safe alerts & grateful for each & every one.
鈥� Julie Couret (@JulieTCouret)
Getting a Facebook notification to mark that I'm safe because I'm in Orlando... This is honestly so unreal.
鈥� Dominique Hewitt (@domhewitt7)
I never thought I would have to mark myself 鈥渟afe鈥� on Facebook. Surreal morning. Thoughts and prayers with the victims & their families.
鈥� Philip Rossman-Reich (@philrsquared)
Facebook is sending me notifications that people I know from high school are safe and I can't help but cry.
鈥� Carrie 鈽�锔� (@carrieisreborn)
Facebook has allowed its users to use the safety notices in past tragedies, including the Paris attacks last November and the bombings carried out in Brussels earlier this year.
