NICOLA Sturgeon has used her speech in the US to condemn the "horrific" shootings across the country at the weekend.

The First Minister is currently in America where has given a keynote speech on Scotland's role in securing European energy security, as well as on the climate crisis.

Welcoming Sturgeon to the Brookings Institute, president John Allan said he was "honoured" to host the FM.

He also condemned the recent shootings in America, with one racially-motivated attack killing 10 people.

Sturgeon said: "The shooting in Buffalo New York reminds all of us of the need to stand united and in solitary against those who perpetrate hate and division in our societies.

"My thoughts are very much today with the bereaved and injured."

Her comments came after Allan expressed his "heartfelt condolences to the families, and the friends and loved ones of the victims of the despicable shooting across our country at the weekend in Buffalo New York, in Laguna Woods in Orange Country California, and in Houston".

"A number of those shot remain in the hospital and we wish them a full and speedy recovery."

Allan said the Buffalo shooting was "the work of a white supremacist".  

He said he was "working out an ideology of hatred, espoused by these domestic terrorists".

He said: "This shooter, whose name I will not mention, is intent on killing as many of our black citizens as possible."