Many lives lost in Orlando nightclub shooting

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Many lives lost in Orlando nightclub shooting. Suspect died after exchange of fire with police in ‘domestic terrorism’ incident

ORLANDO:-- A gunman who allegedly shot several people in an Orlando gay nightclub is now dead, according to police. Details of his demise have not been revealed.

It’s unknown exactly how many people were hurt but police say there have been mass casualties.

Video footage being shared on social media appears to show several wounded people being treated and dozens of emergency vehicles at the scene.

According to local media, the lone gunman attacked Pulse, a gay nightclub in the city and took several hostages.

A controlled explosion has also been carried out but it’s unclear whether it was related to earlier unconfirmed reports that the gunman was wearing or armed with a bomb.

The violence reportedly broke out before 2.am local time when the club is said to have been about to close.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-06-12

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Police: Mass casualties after club shooting; shooter is dead
MIKE SCHNEIDER, Associated Press


ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A gunman opened fire at a crowded, well-known central Florida nightclub, and multiple people have been wounded, police said Sunday.

The shooter inside the club is dead, Orlando Police said on the department's official Twitter page. It was not immediately clear how the shooter died, or how many people were wounded in the shooting. Police described it as a "mass casualty situation."

Police reported "multiple injuries" following the shooting at Pulse Orlando, a popular gay dance club. People were told to stay away from the area.

Dozens of police vehicles, including a SWAT team, swarmed the area around the club. At least two police pickup trucks were seen taking what appeared to be shooting victims to the Orlando Regional Medical Center. Police said via Twitter that a noise heard near the shooting site was a "controlled explosion." No other details were provided.

Pulse Orlando posted on its own Facebook page around 2 a.m.: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running." Just before 6 a.m., the club posted an update: "As soon as we have any information we will update everyone. Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love."

Police said local, state and federal agencies were investigating.

The incident follows the fatal shooting late Friday of 22-year-old singer Christina Grimmie, who was killed after her concert in Orlando by a 27-year-old Florida man who later killed himself. Grimmie was a YouTube sensation and former contestant on "The Voice."

Jon Alamo said he was at the back of one of the club's rooms when a man holding a weapon came into the front of the room.

"I heard 20, 40, 50 shots," Alamo said. "The music stopped."

Club-goer Rob Rick said it happened around, 2 a.m., just before closing time.

"Everybody was drinking their last sip," he said.

He estimated more than 100 people were still inside when he heard shots, got on the ground and crawled toward a DJ booth. A bouncer knocked down a partition between the club area and an area in the back where only workers are allowed. People inside were able to then escape through the back of the club.

Christopher Hansen said he was in the VIP lounge when he started hearing gunshots.

"I was thinking, are you kidding me? So I just dropped down. I just said please, please, please, I want to make it out," he said. "And when I did, I saw people shot. I saw blood. You hope and pray you don't get shot."

He continued to hear shooting even after he emerged, where police were telling people to back away from the club. He saw injured people being tended to across the street.

Mina Justice was outside the club trying to contact her 30-year-old son Eddie, who texted her when the shooting happened and asked her to call police. He told her he ran into a bathroom with other club patrons to hide. He then texted her: "He's coming."

"The next text said: 'He has us, and he's in here with us,'" she said. "That was the last conversation."

-- (c) Associated Press 2016-06-12

[Jonathan Fairfield]

The Latest: Police chief: Approximately 20 dead inside club

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Latest on the shooting at an Orlando nightclub (all times local):

7:25 a.m.

Police say approximately 20 people have been killed inside a Florida nightclub, and at least 42 were wounded.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina says authorities have not determined an exact number of people killed, but that "approximately 20" have died.

An FBI spokesman says the mass shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. He says authorities are looking into whether this was an act of domestic or international terror, and if the shooter was a lone wolf.

Mina says the shooter was armed with an assault-type rifle, a handgun and some type of suspicious device. Police had said previously on Twitter that there was a "controlled explosion" at the scene of the shooting at Pulse Orlando. Mina says that noise was caused by a device intended to distract the shooter.

___

7:15 a.m.

Police say multiple people have been killed inside a Florida nightclub, and at least 42 wounded people have been taken to hospitals.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina did not immediately provide an exact number of how many people were killed. Police had said previously that the shooting was a "mass casualty situation."

Mina says the shooter was armed with an assault-type rifle, a handgun and some type of device. Police had said previously on Twitter that there was a "controlled explosion" at the scene of the shooting at Pulse Orlando.

Mina also says the suspect had exchanged gunshots with an officer working at the club, then went back inside and took hostages around 2 a.m. About three hours later, a SWAT team made the decision to go inside and rescue the hostages. The shooter died in a gunfight with those officers.

___

5:55 a.m.

Police say the person who opened fire inside a popular Florida nightclub is dead.

Orlando Police did not immediately provide further details on the department's official Twitter account on Sunday. It was not immediately clear how the shooter died. Police described the shooting as a "mass casualty situation" and said local, state and federal agencies were involved in the investigation.

It was not immediately clear how many people were wounded in the shooting, or if any of the victims had died. Police have told people to stay away from the area and said a noise in the vicinity was a "controlled explosion." No further details were provided on the explosion.

Dozens of emergency vehicles have swarmed the area around the club.

The club, Pulse Orlando, earlier posted on its own Facebook page just after 2 a.m.: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running."

___

5:15 a.m.

Police say a loud noise near the scene of a reported shooting at a nightclub in Florida was a "controlled explosion."

Orlando Police said on the department's official Twitter account Sunday that media should avoid "reporting inaccuracies." No further details were immediately provided about the explosion.

Police have said "multiple injuries" were reported following the incident at the Pulse Orlando nightclub near Orange and Kaley avenue. The department also advised people to stay away from area.

Multiple emergency vehicles have reportedly responded, including the Orlando Fire Department's bomb squad and hazardous material team.

Pulse Orlando earlier posted on its own Facebook page just after 2 a.m.: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running."

___

4:50 a.m.

Orlando Police say they are responding to a shooting at a nightclub in Florida.

A post on the department's official Twitter account early Sunday morning says "multiple injuries" have been reported following the incident at the Pulse Orlando nightclub near Orange and Kaley avenue. The department also advises people to stay away from area.

Multiple emergency vehicles have reportedly responded, including the Orlando Fire Department's bomb squad and hazardous material team.

Pulse Orlando earlier posted on its own Facebook page: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running."

The incident follows the fatal shooting on Friday of 22-year-old singer Christina Grimmie, who was killed after her concert in Orlando by a 27-year-old Florida man who later killed himself. Grimmie was a YouTube sensation and former contestant on "The Voice."

-- (c) Associated Press 2016-06-12

[sirineou]

What can one say?

we had the gun control arguments, we had the terrorism argument. Nothing new to add but sadness.

Sadness for the people who lost their lives , Sadness for the families who lost loved ones. Sadness for all of as who have to live in such a world

[JetsetBkk]

Coverage on Fox now.

Not on BBC or Aljazeera.

[Jingthing]

Coverage on Fox now.

Not on BBC or Aljazeera.

It's surely coming.

A major international news event especially if the Islamic terrorism connection pans out.

[brewsterbudgen]

OK, the police are pretty clear now they strongly suspect a link to Islamic terrorism.

Remember people can be radicalized on the internet without necessarily even needing a more direct link to Islamic terrorism central office.

One probably unrelated thing about this is that trump recently had a big rally in Tampa, Florida, easy driving distance from Orlando.

Obviously that would have been a much better protected target but it seems that Islamic terrorists would be interested in it.

Where did you see/read about the Islamic link? Most reports I've seen refer to "domestic terrorism".

[Wilsonandson]

Coverage on Fox now.

Not on BBC or Aljazeera.

http://www.fox35orlando.com/live

[wooloomooloo]

Where did you see/read about the Islamic link? Most reports I've seen refer to "domestic terrorism".

Suicide vest strapped to the perp is being reported all over the international press. LGBT is obviously high on the list of targets for these morons, notwithstanding, any infidel will do.

Domestic terrorism will refer to suspected resident Islamist extremists, i.e. not imported as such for the event.

No surprise and this our world now, unfortunately.

Edited June 12, 2016 by wooloomooloo

[brewsterbudgen]

Where did you see/read about the Islamic link? Most reports I've seen refer to "domestic terrorism".

Suicide vest strapped to the perp is being reported all over the international press. LGBT is obviously high on the list of targets for these morons, notwithstanding, any infidel will do.

No surprise and this our world now, unfortunately.

I guess we'll find out soon. However, a 3-hour stand-off and hostages taken, doesn't seem like ISIS MO which is to just kill as many people as possible.

[wooloomooloo]

I guess we'll find out soon. However, a 3-hour stand-off and hostages taken, doesn't seem like ISIS MO which is to just kill as many people as possible.

Tell that to the Aussies. Think back a few years.

[sirineou]

OK, the police are pretty clear now they strongly suspect a link to Islamic terrorism.

Remember people can be radicalized on the internet without necessarily even needing a more direct link to Islamic terrorism central office.

One probably unrelated thing about this is that trump recently had a big rally in Tampa, Florida, easy driving distance from Orlando.

Obviously that would have been a much better protected target but it seems that Islamic terrorists would be interested in it.

Where did you see/read about the Islamic link? Most reports I've seen refer to "domestic terrorism".

the fact that he stopped shooting and was negotiating with police for three hours , seems to point away from Islamic terrorism

Edited June 12, 2016 by sirineou

[wooloomooloo]

the fact that he stopped shooting and was negotiating with police for three hours , seems to point away from Islamic terrorism

Think about Paris a few years ago when the feckers were cornered in an industrial estate and then the idiot in the Jewish supermarche in Paris.

Come on, guys.

[Steely Dan]

Coverage on Fox now.

Not on BBC or Aljazeera.

It's surely coming.

A major international news event especially if the Islamic terrorism connection pans out.

What a tragic loss of life. Without prejudging the facts news is so politicized these days that either the right wing or liberal left wing press will have a field day whilst the other tries to bury the story. If it's correct that Fox are covering this and as yet Al Jazeera and the BBC are not then this alone is a big clue as to who was responsible.

[2fishin2]

Cant you guys wait until at least the story is a little older before you point the fingers.

[Jingthing]

Don't worry. It will be well covered by all all major news sources.

[wooloomooloo]

It's already covered by the major news sources.

[stevenl]

Coverage on Fox now.

Not on BBC or Aljazeera.

It's surely coming.

A major international news event especially if the Islamic terrorism connection pans out.

What a tragic loss of life. Without prejudging the facts news is so politicized these days that either the right wing or liberal left wing press will have a field day whilst the other tries to bury the story. If it's correct that Fox are covering this and as yet Al Jazeera and the BBC are not then this alone is a big clue as to who was responsible.

I heard about it first, a few hours ago, on BBC.

[sirineou]

Coverage on Fox now.

Not on BBC or Aljazeera.

It's surely coming.

A major international news event especially if the Islamic terrorism connection pans out.

What a tragic loss of life. Without prejudging the facts news is so politicized these days that either the right wing or liberal left wing press will have a field day whilst the other tries to bury the story. If it's correct that Fox are covering this and as yet Al Jazeera and the BBC are not then this alone is a big clue as to who was responsible.

So it seems you don' t have a clue

[SgtRock]

An FBI spokesman said they were investigating whether the attacker was a "lone wolf". He said the attacker appeared to "have leanings towards" radical Islamist ideology but it was not yet clear whether this was a case of domestic or international terrorism.

http://www.bbc.com/news/36510272

RIP the dead and a speedy recovery to those wounded.

[wooloomooloo]

The media and public have short recollections of even recent history.

They're adamant that it can't be islamist terrorists as they go in to kill everyone. Not at all.

I've pointed out three recent events where this was not the case, but there are those here that just can't take this in.

They are cowards and when cornered will hesitate.

[Jingthing]

In any case this will likely be politicized as it's an election year. If it turns out to be Islamic terrorist linked this will be a first in the USA that gays were targeted by Islamists.

Again only if true.

No reason to come to conclusions yet.

Edited June 12, 2016 by Jingthing

[wooloomooloo]

In a press conference on Sunday morning, an FBI spokesman said investigators believed the attacker may have had extremist beliefs, and would consider possible links to Isis, but cautioned they were pursuing multiple leads.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/12/orlando-shooting-nightclub-pulse-gunman

[sirineou]

In a press conference on Sunday morning, an FBI spokesman said investigators believed the attacker may have had extremist beliefs, and would consider possible links to Isis, but cautioned they were pursuing multiple leads.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/12/orlando-shooting-nightclub-pulse-gunman

My primary residence is one hour and thirty minutes away from Orlando, my daughter and her friends frequent the clubs there. Who committed this horrific act is irrelevant to those who died and of little consolation to the families who lost loved ones.

[MJCM]

BBC reports it's a Gay club called Pulse

http://www.bbc.com/news/36510272

[OMGImInPattaya]

What can one say?

we had the gun control arguments, we had the terrorism argument. Nothing new to add but sadness.

Sadness for the people who lost their lives , Sadness for the families who lost loved ones. Sadness for all of as who have to live in such a world

One can say you posted a bunch of disjointed non sequiturs...especially since nobody knows what exactly happened or what the motives may have been.

I can say that if it was an act of Islamic terrorism, Trump is now 75% of the way to the White House.

[OMGImInPattaya]

BBC reports it's a Gay club called Pulse

http://www.bbc.com/news/36510272

That tidbit was in the op.

[MJCM]

BBC reports it's a Gay club called Pulse

http://www.bbc.com/news/36510272

That tidbit was in the op.

Sorry, must have missed that.

[Wilsonandson]

The Pulse is approximately 4 miles from The Plaza Live theater where Christina Grimmie was slain earlier in the day.

I have marked 2 red spots on a map of Orlando.

The North red spot is The Plaza.

The South red spot is The Pulse.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Apparently thenshooter has been identified...

"Sources have confirmed to CBS News that authorities are investigating whether the suspect, who has been named as 29-year-old Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, had ties to Islamic terrorism. Mateen is a U.S. citizen with no apparent criminal history, according to sources."

Source: Orlando Sentinel