FBI Says No Evidence to Back Key Claim About Omar Mateen
Since Orlando mass murderer Omar Mateen shot and killed 49 at the Pulse nightclub, also injuring more than 50 others, there has been numerous reports that indicate he was a “regular” at the club, which catered to LGBT customers, and that he used gay dating websites and had gay lovers.
According to FBI investigators, however, there is no evidence to suggest Mateen was a homosexual. They told the media during a press conference they have been trying to verify those reports, but after combing over his electronic devices, including a laptop computer and cell phone, they have found no photographs, text messages, smartphone apps or cell-tower location data to suggest he conducted any kind of secret “gay life.”
Based on the lack of evidence, the FBI is currently considering those reports to be cases of mistaken identity. However, one of the men claiming to have been contacted by Mateen, while acknowledging he has handed over evidence to investigators, insists the reports are true—but wishes the focus would be on other issues.
“People died by that man’s hands and the only thing this country is concerned about is if he is gay or not,” Pulse regular Kevin West told The Los Angeles Times. He said the focus should be on “keeping guns out of the hands of potentially violent people.”
