UPDATED 3.43pm The US Ambassador to New Zealand is describing last night's Orlando shooting, in his home state of Florida, as without parallel in American history.

Ambassador Mark Gilbert said it was an unprecedented attack on the freedoms and values New Zealand and United States hold dear.

"This is the worst shooting incident that has ever happened in the United States, and probably the worst terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11."

LISTEN ABOVE: Ambassador Mark Gilbert talks to Newstalk ZB about the terrorist attack in his home state.

The shooting has been close to home for the US Ambassador and Florida resident, who has spent a lot of time in Florida over many years.

He said the people leading the political response to the tragedy are some of his closest friends, and it is a sad and sombre day for everyone involved.

"These are people who I have gotten to know over quite a few years, and you can see just how visibly shaken and upset they are at the tragedy that's happened."

The Ambassador said the attacks won't break the spirit of Florida, and all people should be able to live in a free and open society without being the victims of such attacks.

"We will continue to do everyone we can to make sure that incidents like this don't happen in the future, and that free and just societies will always win out in the end."

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