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Florida nightclub shooting: 50 killed and 53 injured in 'act of terror' – rolling updates Florida nightclub shooting: 50 killed and 53 injured in 'act of terror' – rolling updates
(35 minutes later)
6.20pm BST
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The two presumptive nominees for president have each responded to the mass shooting. The Democrat expressed solidarity with the victims and the Republican thanked his followers for “the congrats” for talking about his fears of terrorism.
Woke up to hear the devastating news from FL. As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act. -H
Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!
Meanwhile a powerful Democrat in the Senate, Dianne Feinstein, has joined the chorus declaring the attack “an act of terror”.
Feinstein: "While it remains unclear why this individual conducted this attack, it certainly appears to be an act of terror."
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Cities around the US are rallying behind Orlando, offering assistance and stepping up their security around LGBT locations in their own precincts.
In New York, mayor Bill de Blasio has ordered all US flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the victims, and City Hall will be lit in rainbow colors “to represent LGBT pride at sunset”. Police have set up around the historic Stonewall Inn, considered one of the birthplaces of the gay rights movement.
In Los Angeles, police have arrested a man with an assault rifle, other weapons and possible explosives – he said he was headed to the city’s pride parade, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The chief of Tampa Bay’s police has also offered support to Orlando, and asked for help from the public: “Our message is that one that we have repeated many times: if you see something, say something, and we will do something.”
Philadelphia police official Joe Sullivan has tweeted from the city’s gay pride parade, offering condolences and support.
@PhillyPolice we mourn,remember victims of Orlando as #gayprideParade proceeds Phila hate has no place @PhillyGoal pic.twitter.com/P8riwSMqyJ
And a gay rights group has set up a fund to support the families of victims and the victims themselves.
Equality Florida has set up a @gofundme page to help the families of the victims of the #PulseNightclub shooting https://t.co/45RxYJXdDH
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One police officer was injured during the shoot-out. He was hit with a bullet to the head, but escaped with relatively minor injuries.
Chief of police John Mina said it was likely his kevlar helmet saved his life.
Pulse shooting: In hail of gunfire in which suspect was killed, OPD officer was hit. Kevlar helmet saved his life. pic.twitter.com/MAb0jGi7r4
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Muslim leaders around the US have condemned the attacks and urged Americans to donate blood for the 53 men and women in hospitals, many in dire condition.Muslim leaders around the US have condemned the attacks and urged Americans to donate blood for the 53 men and women in hospitals, many in dire condition.
“We condemn this monstrous attack and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured,’ the head of the Florida chapter of the Council of American-Islamic Relations, Rasha Mubarak, said in a statement.“We condemn this monstrous attack and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured,’ the head of the Florida chapter of the Council of American-Islamic Relations, Rasha Mubarak, said in a statement.
“The Muslim community joins our fellow Americans in repudiating anyone or any group that would claim to justify or excuse such an appalling act of violence.”“The Muslim community joins our fellow Americans in repudiating anyone or any group that would claim to justify or excuse such an appalling act of violence.”
The leaders of the American Muslim Community Centers, from Longwood, Flrodia, have also released a statement.The leaders of the American Muslim Community Centers, from Longwood, Flrodia, have also released a statement.
“The American Muslim Community Centers is saddened and shocked by the senseless killings in downtown Orlando, and we pray for the victims and their family members,” says chairman Atif Fareed.“The American Muslim Community Centers is saddened and shocked by the senseless killings in downtown Orlando, and we pray for the victims and their family members,” says chairman Atif Fareed.
Mr Fareed adds, “Ramadan is a month of deep reflection and prayer. Senseless violence has no place in our religion or in our society. We strongly condemn this heinous act of violence against humanity.”Mr Fareed adds, “Ramadan is a month of deep reflection and prayer. Senseless violence has no place in our religion or in our society. We strongly condemn this heinous act of violence against humanity.”
The center then cited the Quran, chapter five verse 32.The center then cited the Quran, chapter five verse 32.
“…if any one killed a person, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind; and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole of mankind…”“…if any one killed a person, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind; and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole of mankind…”
LGBT groups around the US are also rallying, many with Muslim Americans.LGBT groups around the US are also rallying, many with Muslim Americans.
We stand with our fellow Muslim students who are unjustly being scapegoated & vilified. We will not be used to fuel more hate.We stand with our fellow Muslim students who are unjustly being scapegoated & vilified. We will not be used to fuel more hate.
Updated
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US official: attack could be 'massive hate crime'US official: attack could be 'massive hate crime'
Spencer AckermanSpencer Ackerman
Spencer Ackerman has spoken with a US official who offers a more cautious early analysis of the attack, suggesting a hate-crime motive. Bill Nelson has just said “there is some connection to Islamic radicalism” but cautioned: “we still don’t know the facts”.Spencer Ackerman has spoken with a US official who offers a more cautious early analysis of the attack, suggesting a hate-crime motive. Bill Nelson has just said “there is some connection to Islamic radicalism” but cautioned: “we still don’t know the facts”.
A knowledgeable US official told the Guardian that an unfolding federal investigation was in the earliest stages, but an initial hypothesis regarding the shooter’s motive leaned closer to a hate crime than an act of terrorism.A knowledgeable US official told the Guardian that an unfolding federal investigation was in the earliest stages, but an initial hypothesis regarding the shooter’s motive leaned closer to a hate crime than an act of terrorism.
“The idea of it being terrorism is not off the table, but it’s probably not the principal approach. There are other reasons to believe it was motivated toward a very specific kind of community, obviously,” said the official, who would not be identified by name or agency in discussing a fast-moving investigation.“The idea of it being terrorism is not off the table, but it’s probably not the principal approach. There are other reasons to believe it was motivated toward a very specific kind of community, obviously,” said the official, who would not be identified by name or agency in discussing a fast-moving investigation.
That investigation is still determining if the shooting was “terrorism or a massive, massive hate crime,” the official said.That investigation is still determining if the shooting was “terrorism or a massive, massive hate crime,” the official said.
The official emphasized that all hypotheses were preliminary. Investigators were still gathering facts about the mass-casualty incident on Sunday morning.The official emphasized that all hypotheses were preliminary. Investigators were still gathering facts about the mass-casualty incident on Sunday morning.
The official said the shooter was an American citizen.The official said the shooter was an American citizen.
Aligning with the early hate-crime hypothesis is an anecdote from the father of believed suspect, Omar Mateen: Mateen’s father told NBC News that his son was enraged at the sight of a gay couple kissing. Mateen’s ex-wife has spoken with the Washington Post, telling them he was abusive and “not a stable person”.Aligning with the early hate-crime hypothesis is an anecdote from the father of believed suspect, Omar Mateen: Mateen’s father told NBC News that his son was enraged at the sight of a gay couple kissing. Mateen’s ex-wife has spoken with the Washington Post, telling them he was abusive and “not a stable person”.
Gunman's father tells NBC News his son got angry a couple months ago when he saw men kissing at Bayside in Miami pic.twitter.com/MSdCYcHuF9Gunman's father tells NBC News his son got angry a couple months ago when he saw men kissing at Bayside in Miami pic.twitter.com/MSdCYcHuF9
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Florida governor Rick Scott is now giving a press conference. Like other authorities he urges caution, but is emphatic about the attack: “this is clearly an act of terror.”Florida governor Rick Scott is now giving a press conference. Like other authorities he urges caution, but is emphatic about the attack: “this is clearly an act of terror.”
“You just can’t imagine what these families are going through, families are still waiting to find out what happened to their loved ones,” he says.“You just can’t imagine what these families are going through, families are still waiting to find out what happened to their loved ones,” he says.
Scott has no updates no the investigation: “Law enforcement is doing their job.”Scott has no updates no the investigation: “Law enforcement is doing their job.”
“It’s heroic the individuals that went into the building when there was an active shooter. so we need to be thankful that individuals were willing to risk their lives.”“It’s heroic the individuals that went into the building when there was an active shooter. so we need to be thankful that individuals were willing to risk their lives.”
“For anybody that thinks that they should do this, I can tell you the state of Florida, the local law enforcement will be swift in their justice.”“For anybody that thinks that they should do this, I can tell you the state of Florida, the local law enforcement will be swift in their justice.”
Mayor Buddy Dyer adds that he has spoken with President Obama this morning, and praises the work of the FBI and law enforcement.Mayor Buddy Dyer adds that he has spoken with President Obama this morning, and praises the work of the FBI and law enforcement.
Governor Rick Scott: "This is clearly an act of terrorism." pic.twitter.com/Tvcl3wHNGGGovernor Rick Scott: "This is clearly an act of terrorism." pic.twitter.com/Tvcl3wHNGG
This is an attack on our people. An attack on Orlando. An attack on Florida. An attack on America. An attack on all of us.This is an attack on our people. An attack on Orlando. An attack on Florida. An attack on America. An attack on all of us.
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Florida senator Bill Nelson has just clarified his remarks about thinking of FBI intelligence officials, saying that some officials believe there is a link to “radicalism”, an not necessarily the terror group Islamic State.Florida senator Bill Nelson has just clarified his remarks about thinking of FBI intelligence officials, saying that some officials believe there is a link to “radicalism”, an not necessarily the terror group Islamic State.
There has been no claim of responsibility from any group.There has been no claim of responsibility from any group.
Orlando officials have meanwhile scheduled their next press conference for 2pm ET, after President Obama’s remarks to the nation at 1.30pm.Orlando officials have meanwhile scheduled their next press conference for 2pm ET, after President Obama’s remarks to the nation at 1.30pm.
Next press conference at 2 p.m. #PrayforOrlandoNext press conference at 2 p.m. #PrayforOrlando
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President Barack Obama has announced that he will make a speech from the White House at 1.30pm ET.President Barack Obama has announced that he will make a speech from the White House at 1.30pm ET.
He will speak from the Brady Room, the same place he emotionally pleaded with Congress “we can’t wait” to act on gun violence earlier this year.He will speak from the Brady Room, the same place he emotionally pleaded with Congress “we can’t wait” to act on gun violence earlier this year.
Vice-president Joe Biden has also released a statement through a spokesperson.Vice-president Joe Biden has also released a statement through a spokesperson.
The Vice President was briefed this morning by his national security advisor on the heinous attack that took place overnight at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Vice President Biden offered his prayers for all those killed and injured in the shooting and sends his condolences to all the families and loved ones of the victims. He is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to receive regular updates as we know more.The Vice President was briefed this morning by his national security advisor on the heinous attack that took place overnight at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Vice President Biden offered his prayers for all those killed and injured in the shooting and sends his condolences to all the families and loved ones of the victims. He is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to receive regular updates as we know more.
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Florida senator: officials 'believe link to radicalism'Florida senator: officials 'believe link to radicalism'
Intelligence officials “believe that there is some link to Isis”, Florida senator Bill Nelson has just told reporters at a press conference.Intelligence officials “believe that there is some link to Isis”, Florida senator Bill Nelson has just told reporters at a press conference.
He cautioned repeatedly that the information is tentative, and later clarified that they believed a link to “radicalism”, and not necessarily to coordination with a terror group abroad.He cautioned repeatedly that the information is tentative, and later clarified that they believed a link to “radicalism”, and not necessarily to coordination with a terror group abroad.
He confirmed that the shooter is from Ft Pierce Florida, all but affirming that his name is Omar Mateen.He confirmed that the shooter is from Ft Pierce Florida, all but affirming that his name is Omar Mateen.
“Obviously he knew what he was doing,” Nelson said. “I asked the FBI if there was any connection to Isis,” he continued. “There appears to be. But they are naturally cautious and waiting throughout to see if this [the case] as the facts emerge. I have checked with intelligence staff, and they do believe that there is some link to Isis.“Obviously he knew what he was doing,” Nelson said. “I asked the FBI if there was any connection to Isis,” he continued. “There appears to be. But they are naturally cautious and waiting throughout to see if this [the case] as the facts emerge. I have checked with intelligence staff, and they do believe that there is some link to Isis.
“But I might say that is not official.“But I might say that is not official.
Nelson then asked the public to tell authorities anything they might know about the shooter, whom he did not name, or any links to terror groups.Nelson then asked the public to tell authorities anything they might know about the shooter, whom he did not name, or any links to terror groups.
“I asked the FBI what I should convey and because of the nature of this shooting, they have asked me to ask anybody that knows anything about the shooter, especially in the Ft Pierce, St Lucy county area, to please come forth with the information.”“I asked the FBI what I should convey and because of the nature of this shooting, they have asked me to ask anybody that knows anything about the shooter, especially in the Ft Pierce, St Lucy county area, to please come forth with the information.”
“This appears to be, unfortunately, since its the largest mass shooting, an act of terrorism. But the facts, we can’t say that totally yet. We are certainly having our share of violence.”“This appears to be, unfortunately, since its the largest mass shooting, an act of terrorism. But the facts, we can’t say that totally yet. We are certainly having our share of violence.”
Nelson ended his remarks with an appeal for reflection and unity, noting the murder on Friday night in Orlando of a pop singer after her concert. “So what is happening to our country?”Nelson ended his remarks with an appeal for reflection and unity, noting the murder on Friday night in Orlando of a pop singer after her concert. “So what is happening to our country?”
We are going to have to dig down deep and ask ourslelves who we are as a people. Wev’e got to think of ourselves as the common denominator as Americans, not as a hyphenated American or off on some cause. And that’s what we’ve got to go off and exploer at this point.We are going to have to dig down deep and ask ourslelves who we are as a people. Wev’e got to think of ourselves as the common denominator as Americans, not as a hyphenated American or off on some cause. And that’s what we’ve got to go off and exploer at this point.
On CNN a few minutes earlier, Democratic Representative Adam Schiff said that he had also heard from intelligence officials about a possible link. Schiff also observed similarities between the Pulse attack and that at the Bataclan in Paris last year, “all highly indicative of an Isil-inspired attack.”On CNN a few minutes earlier, Democratic Representative Adam Schiff said that he had also heard from intelligence officials about a possible link. Schiff also observed similarities between the Pulse attack and that at the Bataclan in Paris last year, “all highly indicative of an Isil-inspired attack.”
Schiff also urged caution: “we still don’t know.”Schiff also urged caution: “we still don’t know.”
Rep. Schiff, who is always cautious, says Dept. of Homeland Security told him Orlando shooter made pledge of allegiance to Islamic State.Rep. Schiff, who is always cautious, says Dept. of Homeland Security told him Orlando shooter made pledge of allegiance to Islamic State.
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Imam Muhammad Musri, president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida, was another of the speakers at the press conference just given by Florida authorities.Imam Muhammad Musri, president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida, was another of the speakers at the press conference just given by Florida authorities.
He emphatically denounced the violence, and called for Americans to unite in the face of horror.He emphatically denounced the violence, and called for Americans to unite in the face of horror.
“I’m here today to stand as a faith leader with our law enforcement community and city leadership in this hour of horror that was brought upon our city,” he said. “I’ve worked with these leaders for over 20 years. I know their caliber, their strength, their determination to make this city safe.”“I’m here today to stand as a faith leader with our law enforcement community and city leadership in this hour of horror that was brought upon our city,” he said. “I’ve worked with these leaders for over 20 years. I know their caliber, their strength, their determination to make this city safe.”
I call on everybody in the community who has any info to please call the FBI share what you know. I call on my fellow faith leaders, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, whatever faith you follow, please pray for the victims and their families.I call on everybody in the community who has any info to please call the FBI share what you know. I call on my fellow faith leaders, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, whatever faith you follow, please pray for the victims and their families.
It’s supposed to be a beautiful morning but it is already an incredibly heartbreaking morning. It’s like lightning. This person is not likely to be connected to a network. I also want to caution the media from rushing to judgment and sensationalizing the story, we do not want the story to be shifted from the focus where it is.It’s supposed to be a beautiful morning but it is already an incredibly heartbreaking morning. It’s like lightning. This person is not likely to be connected to a network. I also want to caution the media from rushing to judgment and sensationalizing the story, we do not want the story to be shifted from the focus where it is.
Musri also echoed a comment by police chief John Mina, who said of the tragedy: “We believe this could happen anywhere.”Musri also echoed a comment by police chief John Mina, who said of the tragedy: “We believe this could happen anywhere.”
Musri said:Musri said:
It’s a horrible tragedy. We are mourning. We are sad. We are heartbroken. It’s not really time for any sensational news and rushing to judgment. As a nation we need to look at this issue of mass shootings, we just had one too many today.It’s a horrible tragedy. We are mourning. We are sad. We are heartbroken. It’s not really time for any sensational news and rushing to judgment. As a nation we need to look at this issue of mass shootings, we just had one too many today.
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Related: Pulse nightclub shooting - in picturesRelated: Pulse nightclub shooting - in pictures
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What we know so farWhat we know so far
Approximately 50 people have been killed and 53 hospitalised after a shooting at a LGBT nightclub in Orlando.Approximately 50 people have been killed and 53 hospitalised after a shooting at a LGBT nightclub in Orlando.
Florida police and Swat teams ended a hostage situation with a gunman, killing him, in the early hours of of Sunday morning.Florida police and Swat teams ended a hostage situation with a gunman, killing him, in the early hours of of Sunday morning.
At a morning press conference the FBI described the shooting as an act of terrorism. It is also one of the deadliest shootings on US soil.At a morning press conference the FBI described the shooting as an act of terrorism. It is also one of the deadliest shootings on US soil.
Police initially announced that there were roughly 20 dead and 42 injured. At the time they did not have complete access to the night club, which they were still trying to make sure was clear of potential explosive devices. But after securing the night club they announced the death toll was dramatically higher than originally thought.Police initially announced that there were roughly 20 dead and 42 injured. At the time they did not have complete access to the night club, which they were still trying to make sure was clear of potential explosive devices. But after securing the night club they announced the death toll was dramatically higher than originally thought.
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Police have set up a hotline for family members who believe their loved ones might have been caught up in the attacks.Police have set up a hotline for family members who believe their loved ones might have been caught up in the attacks.
Police are still trying to identify all victims at the night club and hospital.Police are still trying to identify all victims at the night club and hospital.
Hotline: 407-246-4357Hotline: 407-246-4357
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“It’s a tragedy of unimaginable proportions,” Mayor Buddy Dyer told Wesh-TV. “My heart goes out to the victims, their families. But we’re a strong resilient community.”“It’s a tragedy of unimaginable proportions,” Mayor Buddy Dyer told Wesh-TV. “My heart goes out to the victims, their families. But we’re a strong resilient community.”
Dyer, who has been mayor of Orlando for 14 years, says he’s “never seen anything like this, I hope no mayor ever has to see anything like this.”Dyer, who has been mayor of Orlando for 14 years, says he’s “never seen anything like this, I hope no mayor ever has to see anything like this.”
Dyer praised the first responders on the scene and said he believes their actions, particularly that of the police officer who initially exchanged fire with the gunman at the club, saved lives.Dyer praised the first responders on the scene and said he believes their actions, particularly that of the police officer who initially exchanged fire with the gunman at the club, saved lives.
“There are still individuals in hospitals in serious conditions, we need to pray for them,” said Dyer, who would not be drawn on potential motives for the crime.“There are still individuals in hospitals in serious conditions, we need to pray for them,” said Dyer, who would not be drawn on potential motives for the crime.
“We don’t want to speculate at this point,” he said.“We don’t want to speculate at this point,” he said.
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Blood donations sought in 'mass casualty plan'Blood donations sought in 'mass casualty plan'
Michael Cheatham, a surgeon with Orlando Health, told the press briefing that local hospitals had implemented the “mass casualty plan” after the shooting and spent the morning operating on a number of victims, “many of them critically ill as a result of their injuries”.Michael Cheatham, a surgeon with Orlando Health, told the press briefing that local hospitals had implemented the “mass casualty plan” after the shooting and spent the morning operating on a number of victims, “many of them critically ill as a result of their injuries”.
He asked people to consider donating blood as a way of assisting in the wake of the attack.He asked people to consider donating blood as a way of assisting in the wake of the attack.
“Blood is a wonderful gift. That can be arranged through local blood banks, don’t come to the local hospitals,” said Cheatham.“Blood is a wonderful gift. That can be arranged through local blood banks, don’t come to the local hospitals,” said Cheatham.
OneBlood, an organisation that promotes and facilitates blood donation, announced there was an urgent need for O Negative, O Postive and AB Plasma blood donors in the wake of the attack.OneBlood, an organisation that promotes and facilitates blood donation, announced there was an urgent need for O Negative, O Postive and AB Plasma blood donors in the wake of the attack.
The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL) is calling on the Muslim community to take part in a blood donation drive for those injured in the attack.The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL) is calling on the Muslim community to take part in a blood donation drive for those injured in the attack.
A preliminary list of sites where people can go to give blood is below:A preliminary list of sites where people can go to give blood is below:
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State of emergency declared - Orlando mayorState of emergency declared - Orlando mayor
A state of emergency has been declared across the city of Orlando, Mayor Dyer has announced, to allow law enforcement officials to focus on the investigation of the shooting at Pulse night club overnight.A state of emergency has been declared across the city of Orlando, Mayor Dyer has announced, to allow law enforcement officials to focus on the investigation of the shooting at Pulse night club overnight.
Speaking at a press conference near the site of the shooting, law enforcement officials gave an update on the process of the investigation.Speaking at a press conference near the site of the shooting, law enforcement officials gave an update on the process of the investigation.
Police said the focus was on securing the night club and the surrounding area, including the suspect’s vehicle, a van parked outside the club. Once these areas were secure, they would be able to start removing bodies and notifying family members.Police said the focus was on securing the night club and the surrounding area, including the suspect’s vehicle, a van parked outside the club. Once these areas were secure, they would be able to start removing bodies and notifying family members.
“In the last few hours, the members of law enforcement community have been working diligently to make certain we did not have any secondary type devices,” said Sheriff Jerry Demings.“In the last few hours, the members of law enforcement community have been working diligently to make certain we did not have any secondary type devices,” said Sheriff Jerry Demings.
“That process has taken an extended period of time. That’s why we have not been able to remove all the victims from the crisis site. We probably have another hour to two before we secure the site.”“That process has taken an extended period of time. That’s why we have not been able to remove all the victims from the crisis site. We probably have another hour to two before we secure the site.”
Police chief John Mina thanked the country for the outpouring of support.Police chief John Mina thanked the country for the outpouring of support.
“I want to commend the heroic and courageous actions of the first responders who were involved in an exchange of gunfire and the Swat team who were able to save up to 30 potential victims,” he said.“I want to commend the heroic and courageous actions of the first responders who were involved in an exchange of gunfire and the Swat team who were able to save up to 30 potential victims,” he said.
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50 dead, 53 wounded in attack, says mayor50 dead, 53 wounded in attack, says mayor
Mayor Dyer confirmed to a press conference that there were 50 killed and 53 hospitalised in the shooting, not 20 killed and 42 hospitalised as initially reported by police.Mayor Dyer confirmed to a press conference that there were 50 killed and 53 hospitalised in the shooting, not 20 killed and 42 hospitalised as initially reported by police.
John Mina, chief of police said that initially officers believed there were 20 dead. But now that they have been able to access the entirety of the building, they can confirm up to 50 people have been killed.John Mina, chief of police said that initially officers believed there were 20 dead. But now that they have been able to access the entirety of the building, they can confirm up to 50 people have been killed.
“There were more victims than originally thought. Once we were sure there were no devices and could go in confidently, we were able to see the number of victims,” said Mina.“There were more victims than originally thought. Once we were sure there were no devices and could go in confidently, we were able to see the number of victims,” said Mina.
Mina said these numbers meant the shooting ranked as “definitely one of the worst tragedies.”Mina said these numbers meant the shooting ranked as “definitely one of the worst tragedies.”
“It’s absolutely terrible, 50 casualties, one location, it’s absolutely one of the worst tragedies we’ve seen,” he said.“It’s absolutely terrible, 50 casualties, one location, it’s absolutely one of the worst tragedies we’ve seen,” he said.
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