The Worst Mass Shooting In US History
Orlando – The worst mass shooting in the history of the United States took place in the early hours of this morning in at Pulse, a very popular gay bar, just South of downtown. As of now 50 people dead and 53 others wounded in the deadliest American mass shooting shooting on history according to authorities.
Police were able to kill the lone gunman who was identified as Omar Sateen, 29, of Port Saint Lucie, Fla., according to CBS News and numerous other media outlets.
News Talk Florida local, regional and national police organizations including the FBI are looking into what happened early this morning when terrorist opened fire inside Pulse, a popular gay nightclub located in Orlando near closing time.
Police Chief John Mina said the tragedy began at 2:02 a.m., when three police officers engaged in a gun battle with a suspect outside the club. A hostage situation then took place inside, and a SWAT team was called in, Mina said. Police received updates from patrons trapped in the club, and decided to storm the club at about 5 a.m.
“Our biggest concern was further loss of life,” Mina said. “We exchanged gunfire with the suspect, and he was dead at the scene.”
What officials don’t know at this point is if the lone gunman involved was a terrorist like the people who carried out the attacks in San Bernardino or if this is a hate crime like what happened in Charlestown, South Carolina.
The White House said President Obama was briefed about the attack.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims,” the White House said in a brief statement.
The shooting happened during Pride Month, a national LGBT celebration honoring the Stonewall riots in 1969. The club hosted a “Latin Night” on Saturday, according to its Facebook page.
Dozens of police stood outside the Pulse nightclub at daybreak this morning. Blood donors are needed but they are asked not to go to area hospitals but instead to go to the local Orlando blood banks.