Orlando Mass Shooting Spurs ‘Facebook’ Into Action

The mass shooting that just occurred in Orlando, Florida has inspired “Facebook” to activate their emergency tool in the U.S. for the first time. The tool in question is called “Safety Check” and it was actually activated in other countries before such as Paris after the terrorist attack and Japan where the feature was first introduced, according to The Verge.

The “Safety Check” is the social media platform’s tool to help users indicate whether or not they are in the immediate area where natural disasters, terrorist attacks, accidents, and such occur. This allows their loved ones to determine where they are, if they are in need of help, if they are unharmed, or if they are in trouble.

Following the attack, The Verge noted that “Facebook” Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted his own message about the tragedy.

“Waking up this morning, I was horrified to hear about the shooting in Orlando. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the LGBT community,” he wrote.

With over 50 people killed and 50 more injured reported so far, this latest in an escalating trend of mass shootings is the worst in modern U.S. history. The gunman reportedly entered the building in the early hours of the morning armed with a handgun and an automatic rifle where he proceeded to start shooting indiscriminately.

“Facebook” sent Mashable a statement regarding “Safety Check” where a spokesperson detailed what they have been doing with the feature.

"Earlier this month, we began testing features that allow people to both initiate and share Safety Check on Facebook," the statement said. "Over the last few months, we have improved the launch process to make it easier for our team to activate more frequently and faster, while testing ways to empower people to identify and elevate local crises as well.”