Last night nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida came under assault by a gunman wielding an AR-15, handgun, and other devices according to Orlando Police Chief John Mina. Pulse is one of Orlando’s most popular gay clubs with a capacity of about 300 people.
The gunman who was later identified as 29-year-old security guard Omar Mateen of Ft. Pierce, Florida killed 50 people and injured another 53 before police could take him down in a shootout. One officer was injured during a shootout with the gunman.
shots being fired outside of #PulseOrlando #PulseShooting. (Via Anthony Torres on Facebook, https://t.co/uIlW1M1rl0) pic.twitter.com/pVXOec1eZx
— ELIAS (@wtfelias) June 12, 2016
Snapchat video: Multiple gunshots heard at #Pulse nightclub in #Orlando. Details coming: https://t.co/o7XrMw10mxpic.twitter.com/JltzSCShLS — WESH 2 News (@WESH) June 12, 2016At this point in time, there seems to be no link to any outside groups rendering this devastating attack the act of a lone shooter with potentially an anti-LBGT agenda or a hate crime. The investigation by the FBI and Orlando authorities are still ongoing, but as of now Orlando authorities consider the violence to have been an act of domestic terror. The shooter was allegedly previously investigated by the FBI and they “have suggestions the individual has leanings towards (Islamic terrorism), but right now we can’t say definitely.” A victim described the scene. “There was blood, blood everywhere.” The mayor of Orlando has temporarily declared itself under a state of emergency with the state of Florida potentially set to do the same as well. President Obama is set to address the nation at 1:30 PM EST. Sources: CNN | Time