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Florida nightclub shooting: 50 killed and 53 injured in 'act of terror' – latest updates Florida nightclub shooting: 50 killed and 53 injured in 'act of terror' – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
11.38pm BST
23:38
Local reporter Kimberly Elten reports that authorities have delayed the next family briefing until 10am ET tomorrow.
A FBI press conference to provide an update on the investigation is expected sometime in the next hour, from near the home of gunman Omar Mateen.
Next update for families will come at 10am tomorrow. People tell us they don't know how they'll make it through the night without answers.
11.23pm BST
23:23
Inside the Hampton Inn, relatives and survivors packed the lobby, hoping for any news. In mid-afternoon authorties began posting lists of known victims, those wounded at the Orlando Regional Medical Centre and at others hospitals, and an ever-growing list of names of those missing. My colleague Richard Luscombe reports from the makeshift emergency center.
Family members, some wrapped in blankets and many of them in tears, were guided into the building where some of the survivors of the attack were taken earlier in the day and where volunteers awaited with cold water and food. There were also chaplains and psychotherapists on hand.
“When you get sent from the hospital to a hotel it has you fearing the worst,” said Barron Cerrano, whose 37-year-old brother Juan Rivera is among the clubgoers missing.
“Nobody knows anything for sure and there’s so much wrong information circulating on social media.
“I’ve not lost faith or hope. We believe in God and we will keep praying and asking for prayers.”
Rivera, he said, is a respected and well-known hair stylist in Orlando who regularly works with the local Telemundo news affiliate TV station. He was at Pulse celebrating a friend’s birthday and goes to the club’s Latin nights “once or twice a month” Cerrano said.
“I would usually go myself but for some reason last night I chose not to,” he said. “It’s a popular place with a lot of latino people.”
Tamara Colon left Pulse about 10 minutes before the shooting took place and learned the full horror of what had happened when friends who were trapped inside started to send her text messages.
She said she knew “three or four” friends who were likely killed and there were another 15 or so more unaccounted for.
“The club was so busy, maybe 300 or more people, and everyone was dancing and having a good time and being nice to each other,” she said.
“On any other night I’d still have been there at 2.30am but this night we left early. Friends who were in there said how horrific it was. It breaks my heart.”
Colon’s friend, Andrew Aleman, 23, who left the club early with her, broke down in tears as he recounted friends’ stories of the scene inside, including blood over the floors and bodies seemingly everywhere.
“I have friends who have passed, friends in hospital and friends who are missing,” he said.
“My feelings right now are numb. I’m keeping calm and trying to keep the pain out but when I let go I know it’s going to be very hard for me, it’s going to be bad. I’m still trying to process it.”
Katherine Rosales suspected her cousin Jose Martinez, 24, had become a victim when the Mexican restaurant he works at in Altamonte called to say he had not turned up for work on Sunday morning.
“He’s a hard worker, six days a week, he enjoys his job and wouldn’t just not turn up to work,” Rosales said.”He’s never missed a day.
“He’d let somebody know what had happened to him if he was able. If he’s lying critically ill in hospital and nobody knows who he is, that’s still better than the alternative.”
Rosales said her cousin enjoys dancing every weekend and thought nothing of driving miles to downtown Orlando to go to Pulse. “It’s his life,” she added.
Miguel Honorato, has a wife and three children aged 15, two and one desperate for news of him, according to his brother Jose, who spent most of the day shuttling between the hotel and medical centre in a vain search for news.
“He went to the club with friends and we have heard nothing from Miguel or from them,” he said.
A fleet of four buses turned up at the Hampton Inn at about 4pm, set to transport the families to a city-run senior centre where there was more room to accommodate them. But at 6pm they were still inside the hotel. Loud wailing could be heard from inside.
Orlando residents Maria Matijas and Carlos Perez show their support #PrayForOrlando pic.twitter.com/3U5j4cGdFm
11.13pm BST
23:13
The city of Orlando has asked residents not to hold vigils – authorities are concerned about sufficient security measures around the city.
Vigils, authorities wrote, “represent a serious strain on our limited resources, which we need to dedicate to law enforcement and victims”.
We understand our community is grieving and vigils are being planned, but PLEASE hold off on vigils. #PrayforOrlando pic.twitter.com/9ZmbbLD4Tz
Distraught relatives of shooting victims/survivors arriving at emergency reception center in downtown Orlando pic.twitter.com/E5ZV2z4OOm
11.10pm BST
23:10
In Orlando, there are two extraordinary scenes of sadness: quiet, communal mourning at a vigil at the Joy Metropolitan Community Church and desperate grief at the Hampton Inn, where authorities are telling families whether their loved ones are alive or dead.
Standing room only at a vigil at Joy MCC in Orlando. Overflow crowds listening to speakers outside the doors. pic.twitter.com/bhp3yEPPDg
Family members just found it what happened to their relative in #Orlando #pulse. Horrible screams and yells. Not a dry eye @OrlandoWeekly
11.08pm BST
23:08
In the separate incident in Los Angeles, where a man was arrested with assault rifles and a reported intention to do harm to the city’s Gay Pride Parade, police have published details of the arrest.
The man, James Wesley Howell, was arrested in Santa Monica after a neighbor tipped off police. They found he had three assult rifles, high capacity magazines and ammunition.
“Additionally, officers discovered a 5 gallon bucket with chemicals capable of forming an improvised explosive device,” the Santa Monica police said.
#BREAKING: Suspect in #SantaMonica identified. Police find a "five gallon bucket of explosive material" @NBCNews pic.twitter.com/9SVOVFHCOt
10.57pm BST10.57pm BST
22:5722:57
Minutes away from a planned vigil in Orlando, families have gathered at the Hampton Inn as Orlando’s health authorities asked them to, for updates on the condition of their loved ones.Minutes away from a planned vigil in Orlando, families have gathered at the Hampton Inn as Orlando’s health authorities asked them to, for updates on the condition of their loved ones.
The city has now released two more names to the public, and ages of the six victims identified so far: Edward Sotomayor Jr, 34; Stanley Almodovar III, 23; Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20; Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22; Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36; Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22.The city has now released two more names to the public, and ages of the six victims identified so far: Edward Sotomayor Jr, 34; Stanley Almodovar III, 23; Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20; Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22; Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36; Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22.
Families sobbing, collapsing to ground outside Hampton Inn as they get updates on victims. #WFTV #PulseNightclub pic.twitter.com/wgiCxObJUAFamilies sobbing, collapsing to ground outside Hampton Inn as they get updates on victims. #WFTV #PulseNightclub pic.twitter.com/wgiCxObJUA
RIGHT NOW: Several dozen people are arriving at #JoyMetropolitanChurch in #Orlando for a vigil. #PulseShooting #WFTV pic.twitter.com/KiQBWKat9qRIGHT NOW: Several dozen people are arriving at #JoyMetropolitanChurch in #Orlando for a vigil. #PulseShooting #WFTV pic.twitter.com/KiQBWKat9q
10.29pm BST10.29pm BST
22:2922:29
Orlando police are warning about false reports that the death toll has risen, some coming from local reporters in the area.Orlando police are warning about false reports that the death toll has risen, some coming from local reporters in the area.
Pulse Shooting: The number of dead has NOT changed. It remains at 50. Please avoid erroneous reporting.Pulse Shooting: The number of dead has NOT changed. It remains at 50. Please avoid erroneous reporting.
Their colleagues in the sheriff’s department have also posted deputies at a local Islamic center, which has heard of threats to its members.Their colleagues in the sheriff’s department have also posted deputies at a local Islamic center, which has heard of threats to its members.
Two @OrangeCoSheriff deputies are posted outside the Islamic center of Orlando after reports of threats. pic.twitter.com/Bg40ofiA9xTwo @OrangeCoSheriff deputies are posted outside the Islamic center of Orlando after reports of threats. pic.twitter.com/Bg40ofiA9x
10.16pm BST10.16pm BST
22:1622:16
What we know so farWhat we know so far
10.15pm BST10.15pm BST
22:1522:15
Hospital officials are giving a press conference at The Center in Orlando, the medical center’s president speaking first.Hospital officials are giving a press conference at The Center in Orlando, the medical center’s president speaking first.
“We jumped into action this morning,” Tim Vargas tells reporters. “Through the next 24-48 hours as more victims names, we ask that the community … hug your loved ones because nothing matters more than that.”“We jumped into action this morning,” Tim Vargas tells reporters. “Through the next 24-48 hours as more victims names, we ask that the community … hug your loved ones because nothing matters more than that.”
There is a crisis hotline, he reminds everyone: 407-228-1446There is a crisis hotline, he reminds everyone: 407-228-1446
Reverend Nancy Wilson, moderator of metropolitan community churches worldwide, makes an impassioned plea for gun control. “How obvious can it be that we have to ban assault weapons in our country?”Reverend Nancy Wilson, moderator of metropolitan community churches worldwide, makes an impassioned plea for gun control. “How obvious can it be that we have to ban assault weapons in our country?”
And Hannah Willard, an official with Equality Florida, said the group has raised $416,000 for victims and their families.And Hannah Willard, an official with Equality Florida, said the group has raised $416,000 for victims and their families.
Center director Tim Vargas: Aren't enough words to express sorrow everyone is feeling. @Center_Orlando #pulse pic.twitter.com/jFN8Z5dz3xCenter director Tim Vargas: Aren't enough words to express sorrow everyone is feeling. @Center_Orlando #pulse pic.twitter.com/jFN8Z5dz3x
9.58pm BST9.58pm BST
21:5821:58
Resources for information and donationsResources for information and donations
Orlando authorities have provided a variety of numbers and resources for people to inquire about loved ones.Orlando authorities have provided a variety of numbers and resources for people to inquire about loved ones.
There is a city website that will update with names of victims after next of kin have been notified: you can access it here.There is a city website that will update with names of victims after next of kin have been notified: you can access it here.
There is also a hotline, 407.246.4357, for people to call if they believe a loved one was a victim.There is also a hotline, 407.246.4357, for people to call if they believe a loved one was a victim.
Mayor Buddy Dyer also tweeted: “Aspire Health [is] offering grief counselors through the Zebra Coalition 407.228.1448. LGBT Center on Mills is open with grief counselors.”Mayor Buddy Dyer also tweeted: “Aspire Health [is] offering grief counselors through the Zebra Coalition 407.228.1448. LGBT Center on Mills is open with grief counselors.”
Orlando Health is also offering services for people in search of loved ones. You can either go to a information point at the Hampton Inn at 43 W. Columbia in Orlando or call 407-246-4357.Orlando Health is also offering services for people in search of loved ones. You can either go to a information point at the Hampton Inn at 43 W. Columbia in Orlando or call 407-246-4357.
There are also blood banks around the US – many in the Orlando area are overwhelmed by donors and recommending that people return over the coming days. Others around the country are willing to take donations.There are also blood banks around the US – many in the Orlando area are overwhelmed by donors and recommending that people return over the coming days. Others around the country are willing to take donations.
O Positive, O Negative, and AB plasma donors are needed in Orlando. Call 1.888.936.6283 to figure out your closest location to a blood bank.O Positive, O Negative, and AB plasma donors are needed in Orlando. Call 1.888.936.6283 to figure out your closest location to a blood bank.
Independent organizations have also created services. Nonprofit Planting Peace, a LGBT rights group, has created a crowdfunding campaign to help with victims’ medical costs. CrowdRise has created a similar campaign to collect relief funds and to guide people to charitable causes.Independent organizations have also created services. Nonprofit Planting Peace, a LGBT rights group, has created a crowdfunding campaign to help with victims’ medical costs. CrowdRise has created a similar campaign to collect relief funds and to guide people to charitable causes.
Equality Florida has set up a @gofundme page to help the families of the victims of the #PulseNightclub shooting https://t.co/45RxYJXdDHEquality Florida has set up a @gofundme page to help the families of the victims of the #PulseNightclub shooting https://t.co/45RxYJXdDH
9.36pm BST9.36pm BST
21:3621:36
My colleague Ed Pilkington is in Orlando by the Pulse Club, where police continue to clear the area and hold families and reporters at bay. Heartbreaking stories also continue to drift out from behind the barrier, he reports.My colleague Ed Pilkington is in Orlando by the Pulse Club, where police continue to clear the area and hold families and reporters at bay. Heartbreaking stories also continue to drift out from behind the barrier, he reports.
Tragic news is still seeping through at the police cordon in South Orange Avenue in Orlando where the media are being held back about 200 metres from the Pulse nightclub, the black awning of which can be seen surrounded by emergency vehicles.Tragic news is still seeping through at the police cordon in South Orange Avenue in Orlando where the media are being held back about 200 metres from the Pulse nightclub, the black awning of which can be seen surrounded by emergency vehicles.
Three women, regular Pulse visitors who by a quirk were not there last night, have learnt via text message within the past 10 minutes that one of their close friends did not survive the massacre. “They didn’t make it, they didn’t make it,” the women said.Three women, regular Pulse visitors who by a quirk were not there last night, have learnt via text message within the past 10 minutes that one of their close friends did not survive the massacre. “They didn’t make it, they didn’t make it,” the women said.
Amy, 28, Xiomara and Janice Rivera, both 24, are visibly distraught when we talk. But above all they are angry. Angry that their community was picked on for no reason. Angry that while they wish nobody else any harm, they have themselves become targets. Angry that once again they will have to be looking behind their backs in case of another attack.Amy, 28, Xiomara and Janice Rivera, both 24, are visibly distraught when we talk. But above all they are angry. Angry that their community was picked on for no reason. Angry that while they wish nobody else any harm, they have themselves become targets. Angry that once again they will have to be looking behind their backs in case of another attack.
“There were never any problems in Pulse,” Amy said. “It was never dangerous. Gay people don’t care what straight people do in their beds, so why does it matter in ours.”“There were never any problems in Pulse,” Amy said. “It was never dangerous. Gay people don’t care what straight people do in their beds, so why does it matter in ours.”
“This was the first club I’d ever been to where we were welcomed. Everybody would dance with each other – straight, bixexual, trans, anything. It doesn’t matter who you were, everyone will love you in there,” said Rivera.“This was the first club I’d ever been to where we were welcomed. Everybody would dance with each other – straight, bixexual, trans, anything. It doesn’t matter who you were, everyone will love you in there,” said Rivera.
Xiomara said that “now we have to go in fear. We have to hope this doesn’t happen to us again. We aren’t bad human beings, we just love our own sex. So why so much hatred?”Xiomara said that “now we have to go in fear. We have to hope this doesn’t happen to us again. We aren’t bad human beings, we just love our own sex. So why so much hatred?”
9.21pm BST9.21pm BST
21:2121:21
Although hundreds if not thousands of Americans have turned out to donate blood for the hospitalized victims of the Orlando shooting, the FDA bans donations from gay men who have had sex in the last year, a rule first created during the HIV/Aids epidemic of the 1980s.Although hundreds if not thousands of Americans have turned out to donate blood for the hospitalized victims of the Orlando shooting, the FDA bans donations from gay men who have had sex in the last year, a rule first created during the HIV/Aids epidemic of the 1980s.
USA Today reports:USA Today reports:
In 2015, the policy changed to allow donations as long as men hadn’t had sex with other men in the previous 12 months. An advocacy group called National Gay Blood Drive said it supported the decision, that it was “still discriminatory.”In 2015, the policy changed to allow donations as long as men hadn’t had sex with other men in the previous 12 months. An advocacy group called National Gay Blood Drive said it supported the decision, that it was “still discriminatory.”
“While many gay and bisexual men will be eligible to donate their blood and help save lives under this 12-month deferral, countless more will continue to be banned solely on the basis of their sexual orientation and without medical or scientific reasoning,” the group said in a statement.“While many gay and bisexual men will be eligible to donate their blood and help save lives under this 12-month deferral, countless more will continue to be banned solely on the basis of their sexual orientation and without medical or scientific reasoning,” the group said in a statement.
Related: Gay men can't donate blood to victims of the Orlando shooting. That's absurd | John Paul BrammerRelated: Gay men can't donate blood to victims of the Orlando shooting. That's absurd | John Paul Brammer
Though LGBT groups protest the FDA’s ban, some have also created other ways to donate.Though LGBT groups protest the FDA’s ban, some have also created other ways to donate.
Equity Florida has set up a GoFundMe account to collect money for families of victims in Pulse nightclub shooting https://t.co/hnkGBVJczCEquity Florida has set up a GoFundMe account to collect money for families of victims in Pulse nightclub shooting https://t.co/hnkGBVJczC
9.04pm BST9.04pm BST
21:0421:04
Rory CarrollRory Carroll
In Los Angeles, Santa Monica police have arrested a man who had a car laden with weapons, explosive powder and camouflage gear, my colleague Rory Carroll reports.In Los Angeles, Santa Monica police have arrested a man who had a car laden with weapons, explosive powder and camouflage gear, my colleague Rory Carroll reports.
Early on Sunday morning police in Santa Monica, a few miles west of Hollywood, reportedly intercepted a car with Indiana license plates containing assault rifles, lots of ammunition and tannerite, a material used in pipe bombs.Early on Sunday morning police in Santa Monica, a few miles west of Hollywood, reportedly intercepted a car with Indiana license plates containing assault rifles, lots of ammunition and tannerite, a material used in pipe bombs.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the man said he planned to attend the parade. Authorities made no immediate connection to the massacre at the gay club in Florida.The Los Angeles Times reported that the man said he planned to attend the parade. Authorities made no immediate connection to the massacre at the gay club in Florida.
Eric Garcetti, LA’s mayor said a neighbourhood tip led Santa Monica to detain the “heavily armed” man but that authorities believed he was “completely unrelated” to the Orlando massacre.Eric Garcetti, LA’s mayor said a neighbourhood tip led Santa Monica to detain the “heavily armed” man but that authorities believed he was “completely unrelated” to the Orlando massacre.
The mayor struck a defiant tone just before the parade got underway on a warm, overcast morning, saying it was safe and protected.The mayor struck a defiant tone just before the parade got underway on a warm, overcast morning, saying it was safe and protected.
“We will not shrink away … we will not go back to the closets. We are out here to march, to celebrate and to mourn. Today we know we are targeted as Americans because this s a society where we love broadly. We are white, black, brown, Asian, native american, the whole spectrum.”“We will not shrink away … we will not go back to the closets. We are out here to march, to celebrate and to mourn. Today we know we are targeted as Americans because this s a society where we love broadly. We are white, black, brown, Asian, native american, the whole spectrum.”
He continued: “We are Orlando, we are Americans, we are all LGBT community members today, we are all part of a country that will not be beaten down. We will not go away. And today we are proud of who we are.”He continued: “We are Orlando, we are Americans, we are all LGBT community members today, we are all part of a country that will not be beaten down. We will not go away. And today we are proud of who we are.”
Expressions of defiance, pride and solidarity – and anxiety - lit up social media.Expressions of defiance, pride and solidarity – and anxiety - lit up social media.
A Santa Monica police spokeswoman did not immediately confirm the reports of the weapon-laden car. “As of now nothing has been confirmed. We have nothing further.”A Santa Monica police spokeswoman did not immediately confirm the reports of the weapon-laden car. “As of now nothing has been confirmed. We have nothing further.”
However the FBI confirmed it was assisting with an arrest made by Santa Monica police.However the FBI confirmed it was assisting with an arrest made by Santa Monica police.
Not even terrorism will keep us from this party. #LAPRIDENot even terrorism will keep us from this party. #LAPRIDE
8.52pm BST8.52pm BST
20:5220:52
First victims namedFirst victims named
Orlando police have released the first four names of victims. The city will update the list of named victims on the site linked here, after authorities notify next of kin.Orlando police have released the first four names of victims. The city will update the list of named victims on the site linked here, after authorities notify next of kin.
The first four named are Edward Sotomayor Jr, Stanley Almodovar III, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Juan Ramon Guerrero.The first four named are Edward Sotomayor Jr, Stanley Almodovar III, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Juan Ramon Guerrero.
Pastor Annette Stubbs prays for the lives lost last night at #pulse #pulseshooting #pulsenightclub #orlando pic.twitter.com/t8naICQM6lPastor Annette Stubbs prays for the lives lost last night at #pulse #pulseshooting #pulsenightclub #orlando pic.twitter.com/t8naICQM6l
Related: 'We're just praying': Friends and family wait for news after Orlando shootingRelated: 'We're just praying': Friends and family wait for news after Orlando shooting
8.42pm BST8.42pm BST
20:4220:42
Ed PilkingtonEd Pilkington
My colleagues Ed Pilkington and Richard Luscombe are in Orlando, speaking with survivors, families of victims and locals who have lost track of loved ones or are taking to the streets in support of their suffering neighbors.My colleagues Ed Pilkington and Richard Luscombe are in Orlando, speaking with survivors, families of victims and locals who have lost track of loved ones or are taking to the streets in support of their suffering neighbors.
Brian Vieoma has been texting and calling his brother Luis’s mobile phone since his family learned this morning about the Pulse shooting. So far he has had no reply and now fears the worst.Brian Vieoma has been texting and calling his brother Luis’s mobile phone since his family learned this morning about the Pulse shooting. So far he has had no reply and now fears the worst.
“He came over for Latin Night, Venezuelans love to go dancing,” Brian Vieoma said of his 22-year-old brother.“He came over for Latin Night, Venezuelans love to go dancing,” Brian Vieoma said of his 22-year-old brother.
“We know he was at the club with a female friend, could be a girlfriend, could be a friend, but we don’t know, and we haven’t heard from him. There’s been no answer on his phone.”“We know he was at the club with a female friend, could be a girlfriend, could be a friend, but we don’t know, and we haven’t heard from him. There’s been no answer on his phone.”
Luis Vieoma, who works at Universal Studios theme park’s Harry Potter was visiting the club from Sanford, a city north of Orlando. His father went to the Orlando Regional Medical Center to search for his son while Brian looked for information at a victim support center set up at a nearby hotel.Luis Vieoma, who works at Universal Studios theme park’s Harry Potter was visiting the club from Sanford, a city north of Orlando. His father went to the Orlando Regional Medical Center to search for his son while Brian looked for information at a victim support center set up at a nearby hotel.
“My mum is out of the country and it’ll be hard for her,” said Brian, 19. “We’re just praying.”“My mum is out of the country and it’ll be hard for her,” said Brian, 19. “We’re just praying.”
Blocks from the Pulse nightclub, impromptu demonstrations are cropping up of local Orlando residents trying to speak back against hate. At one such rally next to an Arby’s in downtown Orlando a small group of LGBT activists are brandishing placards saying More Love, Less Hate and We Love Pulse.Blocks from the Pulse nightclub, impromptu demonstrations are cropping up of local Orlando residents trying to speak back against hate. At one such rally next to an Arby’s in downtown Orlando a small group of LGBT activists are brandishing placards saying More Love, Less Hate and We Love Pulse.
Among them Jym Herson, 50, said he would have been at the club had he not been working last night. He is still waiting to hear from three friends who he believes were among the club goers and who he is fearful about.Among them Jym Herson, 50, said he would have been at the club had he not been working last night. He is still waiting to hear from three friends who he believes were among the club goers and who he is fearful about.
“I feel numb right now,” he said. “How can this possibly happen. Why would you want to take on innocent people who aren’t doing anything other than having a good time?”“I feel numb right now,” he said. “How can this possibly happen. Why would you want to take on innocent people who aren’t doing anything other than having a good time?”