This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/orlando-nightclub-shooting-20-dead-terror-attack-at-florida-lgbt-club-gay-killed-explosion-bomb-a7077831.html
The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Orlando nightclub shooting: Around 20 dead after 'terror attack' at Florida gay club Pulse | Orlando nightclub shooting: Around 20 dead after 'terror attack' at Florida gay club Pulse |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| At least 20 people have been killed and 42 injured after a gunman launched what police say was a "domestic terrorism incident" at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. | At least 20 people have been killed and 42 injured after a gunman launched what police say was a "domestic terrorism incident" at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. |
| Police say an officer working as a security guard inside the Pulse club exchanged fire with the suspect at about 2am (7am UK time), before a hostage situation developed, a team of officers entered the club and shot dead the gunman. | Police say an officer working as a security guard inside the Pulse club exchanged fire with the suspect at about 2am (7am UK time), before a hostage situation developed, a team of officers entered the club and shot dead the gunman. |
| It was unclear when the victims were shot by the gunman. According to police, the attacker is not from the area. | |
| Orlando Police Chief John Mina told a press conference: "At... 0500 hours this morning, the decision was made to rescue hostages that were in there. Our officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The suspect is dead," | Orlando Police Chief John Mina told a press conference: "At... 0500 hours this morning, the decision was made to rescue hostages that were in there. Our officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The suspect is dead," |
| At least one officer was injured in the gun fight but the police action saved at least 30 lives, Mr Mina said. | At least one officer was injured in the gun fight but the police action saved at least 30 lives, Mr Mina said. |
| Witnesses in the club posted messages on social media as the stand-off took place, while one reportedly texted his mother to say: "He's rounded us up and he is going to kill us." | Witnesses in the club posted messages on social media as the stand-off took place, while one reportedly texted his mother to say: "He's rounded us up and he is going to kill us." |
| Police say the suspect was carrying an assault-type rifle and a handgun as well as an unidentified "device" on him. | Police say the suspect was carrying an assault-type rifle and a handgun as well as an unidentified "device" on him. |
| Police did not immediately name the gunman or provide a possible motive for the attack but officials have classified the rampage as a "domestic terrorism incident", Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said. | Police did not immediately name the gunman or provide a possible motive for the attack but officials have classified the rampage as a "domestic terrorism incident", Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said. |
| Javer Antonetti, 53, told the Orlando Sentinel newspaper he was near the back of the dance club when he heard gunfire. "There were so many (shots), at least 40," he said. | Javer Antonetti, 53, told the Orlando Sentinel newspaper he was near the back of the dance club when he heard gunfire. "There were so many (shots), at least 40," he said. |
| "I saw two guys and it was constant, like 'pow, pow, pow,'." | "I saw two guys and it was constant, like 'pow, pow, pow,'." |
| Police said they had carried out a "controlled explosion" at the club hours after the shooting broke out, but did not explain why that was done. | Police said they had carried out a "controlled explosion" at the club hours after the shooting broke out, but did not explain why that was done. |
| Orlando sheriff Jerry Demings called the shooting “a domestic terror incident”. | |
| The FBI said they were investigating whether the suspect acted as “a lone wolf” or had any ties to terror groups abroad: “At this time we’re looking into all angles. We do have suggestions that that individual may have had leanings toward that, that particular ideology. But right now we can’t say anything definitively.” | |
| Orland mayor, Buddy Dyer, said in a statement: "We are strong, resiliant community. And tonight we had a crime that will have a lasting effect on our community. We need to stand strong and we need to be supportive of the victims are their families." | |
| More follows... | More follows... |
| Addititional reporting by agencies | Addititional reporting by agencies |