In a press conference, President Obama said the shooting at the Orlando nightclub Pulse, which claimed 51 lives so far, marked the deadliest in United States history.
I think he means the deadliest by non-state actors:
Waco Siege, February 28 – April 19, 1993, killed 76.
Tulsa massacre, May 31 – June 1, 1921, killed an estimated 300.
Wounded Knee Massacre, December 29, 1890, killed over 150.
NPR’s discussion of their decision on language regarding the event includes these interesting thoughts:
A gunman opening fire on a public space is what „mass shooting“ has come to mean these days, Duwe said. We don’t tend to put massacres involving military or quasi-military actors and those perpetrated by a group in that category.
Double-plus good, eh Winston?