UPDATE: Death Count Rises to 50 in Gay Nightclub Shooting; 53 More Injured
The worst mass shooting in U.S. history occurred in Orlando, Florida, early Sunday morning, after a gunman killed 50 people and injured another 53 at a gay nightclub. Police are still investigating the shooter’s motives, but police are investigating whether the criminal was inspired by or affiliated with radical Islam.
At a press conference, law enforcement refused to classify whether the crime was a domestic terror attack or a hate crime. However, FBI Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Hopper said there was no further threat to the citizens of Orlando.
The shooter’s name was Omar S. Mateen. Law enforcement said a handgun and an assault rifle were found on the shooter after he died. Early reports suggested the shooter might have an explosive device, but further investigation has determined the device posed no harm to victims or law enforcement.
According to Police Chief John Mina, early reports underestimated the number of victims, reporting “about 20 dead.” This was because the potential threat of an explosive device hindered police from entering the club until recently. Thirty potential victims were rescued from the club, and one officer was injured in a skirmish with the shooter.
Mina told citizens that if they know anything related to the shooting, they should contact the Orlando police with the information. He said, “If you see something, say something.”
Representative Peter King of the Homeland Security Committee told CNN that the suspect, Mateen, is Afghan and had weapons training. However, CNN’s Evan Perez said that Mateen was born in the United States. The shooter’s background has not yet been clarified by law enforcement.
