Quote:A gunman who federal authorities say had possible ties to terrorism opened fire early Sunday morning at a packed Florida nightclub, killing approximately 20 people and wounding scores more in a bloody scene that ended hours later when police stormed the building and killed the suspect.

The shooting in Orlando at Pulse, which bills itself as "the hottest gay bar" in the city and was packed with more than 300 people, was reported minutes after 2 a.m. Sunday. In addition to those killed inside the club, at least 42 people were taken to area hospitals. Dozens of party-goers remained hostages in the club for several hours after the initial shooting, prompting SWAT teams to pour inside. Shortly after 6 a.m. local time, Orlando police tweeted that the gunman had been killed.

The gunman, whose identity was not immediately released, “may have leanings” toward radical Islam, FBI Special Agent in Charge Ron Harper said when asked by Fox News whether the suspect had ties to Jihadist terror groups. Harper said the investigation is looking into possible threats made previously by the suspect in connection to radical Islam groups. He said the agency is still investigating and has yet to confirm any role a terror group may have played in the mass shooting.

“There are allegations the individual made threats in the past to having ties to terrorist organizations,” Harper told Fox News.

Quote:A heavily armed assailant opened fire in a packed Orlando nightclub early Sunday in a bloody massacre that left about 20 people dead and prompted a terrorism investigation, authorities said.


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 Pulse, a gay club just south of downtown. 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."
Mina said the gunman was killed by police. He said 42 people were transferred to local hospitals, and one officer was wounded. He estimated the death toll at 20, and said at least 30 people were rescued.

"Tonight our community witnessed a horrific crime... that will have a lasting effect on our community," a solemn Mayor Buddy Dyer said.

FBI Special Agent Ronald Hopper said the case was being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, either domestic or international. It was not clear if the shooter acted alone, he said. He said authorities were trying to determine if there was a connection with radical Islam.

"We do have suggestions that the individual may have leanings toward that particular ideology," Hopper said.

Mina said the gunman was armed with an assault rifle, a handgun and some sort of unidentified device. Officers from multiple agencies and dozens of emergency vehicles responded to the scene. Orange County Fire and Rescue called for gurneys to move victims from the club.

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Orlando Police @OrlandoPolice
Pulse Shooting: The shooter inside the club is dead.
5:53 AM - 12 Jun 2016 · Orlando, FL, United States

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Many of the casualties were rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center, which was placed on lockdown.

"We can confirm this is a mass casualty situation. Support from local/state/federal agencies," Orlando police tweeted about four hours after events began to unfold. Then, a short time later: "Pulse Shooting: The shooter inside the club is dead."

Mina said there was no indication that there was more than one shooter. A bomb squad was at the scene, and police reported conducting a "controlled explosion."

Hours after the shooting, police were still trying to piece together what happened.

"Anyone who was at Pulse nightclub and was a witness Please come to the Orlando Police HQ," the department tweeted. "Any information you have could aid investigators in this case."

(06-12-2016, 11:03 AM)Belsnickel Wrote: Definitely thoughts and prayers with them. Health officials calling for blood donors.

Suspect is dead on scene, shot by police. ID'd as Omar Mateen, US citizen from Port St. Lucie.

(06-12-2016, 11:09 AM)GMDino Wrote: Oh come on!  There was no way to resist that one!

(06-12-2016, 11:53 AM)StLucieBengal Wrote: Glad you can joke around and have a laugh at this situation.  

Quote:"a US citizen of Afghan origin"

(06-12-2016, 11:56 AM)GMDino Wrote: Me too.  If I couldn't laugh at the craziness in the world I'd go crazy.

Thanks.

(06-12-2016, 12:10 PM)StLucieBengal Wrote: Yuck it up.   Maybe you will get lucky and have some more murders to get you laughing again.   

I understand why you wanted to hurry up and be first with that gem but you were way too early and just look like a jackass.   

Glad all these deaths and injuries could give you some comedy relief this morning.   

(06-12-2016, 12:30 PM)Millhouse Wrote: Whether it was a hate crime and/or islamic terrorist act, this was the worst mass shooting in US history. RIP to all those that needlessly died, best wishes to speedy recoveries to the survivors and to the loved ones of the victims.

(06-12-2016, 12:44 PM)PhilHos Wrote: Is it wrong that my 2nd thought after hearing the news was "Oh great, here comes the gun control debate crash again"?