UPDATES: Terror in Orlando: 50 Dead, 53 Wounded in Florida Nightclub Nightmare

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By Emily Zanotti | 4:58 am, June 13, 2016
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UPDATE: 11:00 AM: 

Police have now revised the death toll to 49. Officials say that they have identified 48 of the 49 victims and are in the process of notifying families.

Along with stories of horror, stories of incredible bravery are emerging.

UPDATE, 5:00 AM:

Images of those killed by the gunman – some of whose names were published by the city – are beginning to surface and be widely reproduced:

A sobering update from the Associated Press told how authorities at the Pulse nightclub were still removing dozens of bodies in the small hours of Monday morning.

UPDATE, 11:00 PM: 

Police are now saying that Omar Mateen has ties to radical Muslim leader, Marcus Dwayne Robertson. Mateen took online classes and interacted with Robertson through Robertson’s Fundamental Islamic Knowledge Seminary, based in Orlando.

The FBI reportedly contacted Robertson and several of his associates for questioning Sunday afternoon. Robertson’s attorney failed to confirm whether his client was associated with the ongoing investigation.

The gunman also attended the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce; he was seen there two days before Sunday’s attack, in the company of Imam Shafiq Rahman. The Islamic Center is reportedly associated with the American-born suicide bomber, Monar abu Salha, who was discovered in Syria several years ago. According to Fox News, it was Mateen’s association with abu Salha that led the FBI to question him in 2013.

UPDATE, 10:30 PM: 

Stories are now emerging from the survivors of this morning’s terrorist attack.

Survivors told ABC News that the shooter asked club goers their race before opening fire and said that America “needs to stop bombing ISIS.” Several clubgoers describe being trapped in the club and unable to leave as the gunman moved through the club.

Witnesses also describe a chaotic triage situation in the club’s parking lot, as emergency response teams tried to isolate the most seriously injured.

UPDATE, 5:15 PM:

The city or Orlando is now releasing the names of victims as families are being notified.

The ATF has also released a statement that the guns used in today’s terrorist attack were purchased legally.

Omar Mateen was a licensed security guard working for a Federal contractor. He had the appropriate permits and passed a background check.

UPDATE, 4:25 PM:

Donald Trump has called on President Obama to “resign in disgrace” if he won’t publicly link the shooting to Islamic terrorism.

UPDATE, 3:20pm:

The FBI is now going into greater details about Omar Mateen’s background and terror ties.

ISIS has also claimed responsibility for the attacks but there is still no evidence to support a claim that Mateen coordinated with a terrorist network.

 

UPDATE, 2:00pm:

President Obama has spoken to the nation, confirming that today’s events in Orlando were an act of terror. He assured Orlando authorities that the will receive all necessary resources.

 

UPDATE, 1:45pm:

Authorities have arrested a suspect with an “arsenal” reportedly intending to disrupt an LA gay pride event. We do not know whether this incident is related to Orlando.

 

UPDATE, 1:30pm: 

National media is now reporting that the shooter called authorities to pledge allegiance to ISIS before the attack.

Local and Federal authorities are now searching the shooters apartment.

 

 

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A young American gunman, armed with multiple weapons and what police are terming “devices”, left at least 50 dead and 53 wounded in a horrific attack on Pure, a prominent LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Florida this morning. The shooter, whom the FBI has identified as Omar Mateen, opened fire around 2 am, and was eventually killed in a shootout with the Orlando Police’s SWAT team about three hours later.

This is a developing story with enormous implications not only for the loved ones of those murdered and wounded — but also across the political and cultural spectra.   Conversations are already raging across social media about terrorism, gay rights, gun rights, religion and, of course, how this tragedy could affect the Presidential election.

Police and FBI officials believe the act to be “terrorism”, but at this early point it appears to be the work of an American citizen with no clear links to international terror networks beyond general inspiration. Officials are briefing reporters every two hours.

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims and with the Orlando community.

What We Know:

At least 50 people are dead and 53 injured in an attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Eyewitness accounts are emerging.

This is already being considered the worst mass shooting in US history.

Officers shot and killed the suspect who they say was named Omar Mateen. One officer was injured.

Early reports indicate that the shooter had been known to the FBI as someone with terrorist sympathies.

The shooter had received weapons training and was armed with several guns and an “explosive device”.

Officials are calling the incident “terrorism”, but have yet to say whether or not the shooter had any real connections to an international terrorist organization.

The gunman’s father told NBC News in a statement that his son did not have any ties to terrorism but had been “angry” since seeing two men kissing in Miami several months ago.

What You Can Do:

Facebook has activated its safety check.

Blood banks are open in Orlando and need blood desperately.

Reports indicate that Orlando blood banks have lifted the controversial ban on LGBT persons giving blood, however we have been unable to officially confirm those reports.

There is a victim and “loved one” hotline for families looking for information.

If you have tips, you can call the FBI directly.

We will be updating our story throughout the day as information emerges.

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