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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' – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
6.58pm BST
18:58
My colleague Richard Luscombe has met another survivor of the attack in Orlando.
Carson Wells was in the club with a group of friends enjoying Latin Night and said it was a completely normal evening until the gunman opened fire.
“It felt like it was part of the DJ mix that was playing, just part of the music.
“When I realised it wasn’t I just ran out the back, I didn’t look back.”
Wells, from Orlando, said he was in a back room at Pulse three of his friends were hit by bullets and were in hospital, but none had life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, families and loved ones are still waiting for word from police and hospital officials about possible victims. Police warned that it would take hours to identify all the deceased and hospitalized victims, and heartbreaking anecdotes continue to emerge from Orlando.
Tyrell Smith doesn't know how many friends he's lost. "I pray for every one of them. Even the one who did it."
In one, investigators told CNN that as they first entered the nightclub to account for the victims, cellphones continued ringing from all around the hall.
Streaks of rainbow can be seen all around Orlando, especially in the line at the donation center #pulse #LGBTQ pic.twitter.com/8TlRVI1g5H
Updated
at 6.59pm BST
6.54pm BST
18:54
My colleague Richard Luscombe is in Orlando and has met with survivors of the Pulse shooting, including one whose husband remains unaccounted for.
Maria Arocha’s cousin Martin Torres, 33, went to Pulse with his husband Michael Morales but has not been heard from since.
Morales escaped with a bullet wound to his knee and is recovering in the Orlando Regional Medical Center. But of Torres, Arocha says, there is no word.
“We’re just hoping and praying,” Arocha, 17, told the Guardian.
“We’ve been to the hospital trying to find out anything we can but nobody knows anything. Michael is OK but we’re worried about Martin of course.”
Torres was at the club celebrating Puerto Rican heritage on Latin night and had been looking forward to a night out with his husband, excitedly posting about it in a Facebook post, Arocha said. He was not a regular at Pulse, she added.
Other reporters in the area are also hearing extraordinary accounts of the night from first responders, at least one of whom had family at the club.
orlando firefighters say they were woken up by injured people banging on the door. one firefighter's daughter was in the club at the time.
6.43pm BST
18:43
Pope Francis has condemned “the terrible massacre that has taken place in Orlando, with its dreadfully high number of innocent victims”.
He released a statement through a spokesperson, who said the attack “has caused in Pope Francis, and in all of us, the deepest feelings of horror and condemnation, of pain and turmoil before this new manifestation of homicidal folly and senseless hatred.
Pope Francis joins the families of the victims and all of the injured in prayer and in compassion. Sharing in their indescribable suffering he entrusts them to the Lord so they may find comfort. We all hope that ways may be found, as soon as possible, to effectively identify and contrast the causes of such terrible and absurd violence which so deeply upsets the desire for peace of the American people and of the whole of humanity.
6.38pm BST
18:38
Blood banks in the Orlando area are straining under the effort to take in donors, the Orlando Sentinel reports, as hundreds come out to give for the victims.
The blood banks are urging people who want to give to come donate in the coming days, but not to try to donate at banks that are overwhelmed.
Humanity responds to evil. From a family friend in Central Florida https://t.co/lSuDbRMJ3r pic.twitter.com/CAzBuJYqv9
6.27pm BST
18:27
Gunman 'pledged allegiance to Isis on 911 call' – report
NBC’s Pete Williams is reporting that Omar Mateen called 911 before the attack and when the operator answered, “swore his allegiance to [Abu Bakr al-]Baghdadi”, the leader of terror group Isis.
Williams cites unnamed law enforcement sources for his report.
Earlier today Representative Adam Schiff, a Democrat leader of the House intelligence committee, said he had heard a similar account from sources.
Like many other authorities, Schiff urged caution and repeated that the investigation is an extremely early stage to be drawing any conclusions.
Barack Obama is due to speak at 1.30pm ET, followed by a press conference from investigators in Orlando around 2pm ET.
NBC NEWS: Orlando gunman called 911, pledged allegiance to head of ISIS just before the shooting -@PeteWilliamsNBC https://t.co/pHKUPK1lM9
6.20pm BST6.20pm BST
18:2018:20
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.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. -HWoke 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!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”.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."Feinstein: "While it remains unclear why this individual conducted this attack, it certainly appears to be an act of terror."
6.09pm BST6.09pm BST
18:0918:09
Cities around the US are rallying behind Orlando, offering assistance and stepping up their security around LGBT locations in their own precincts.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 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.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.”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.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@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.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/45RxYJXdDHEquality Florida has set up a @gofundme page to help the families of the victims of the #PulseNightclub shooting https://t.co/45RxYJXdDH
6.01pm BST6.01pm BST
18:0118:01
One police officer was injured during the shoot-out. He was hit with a bullet to the head, but escaped with relatively minor injuries.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.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/MAb0jGi7r4Pulse shooting: In hail of gunfire in which suspect was killed, OPD officer was hit. Kevlar helmet saved his life. pic.twitter.com/MAb0jGi7r4
5.46pm BST5.46pm BST
17:4617:46
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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.53pm BSTat 5.53pm BST
5.34pm BST5.34pm BST
17:3417:34
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
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.38pm BSTat 5.38pm BST
5.30pm BST5.30pm BST
17:3017:30
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.
5.14pm BST5.14pm BST
17:1417:14
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
5.08pm BST
17:08
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.
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.
5.02pm BST
17:02
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.
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.
“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.
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.”
“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?”
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.”
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.
Updated
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4.53pm BST
16:53
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.
“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.
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 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.
4.43pm BST
16:43
Related: Pulse nightclub shooting - in pictures
4.30pm BST
16:30
What we know so far
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.
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.
4.17pm BST
16:17
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.
Hotline: 407-246-4357
4.11pm BST
16:11
“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 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.
“We don’t want to speculate at this point,” he said.
4.02pm BST
16:02
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”.
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.
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.
A preliminary list of sites where people can go to give blood is below:
Updated
at 4.39pm BST
3.49pm BST
15:49
State 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.
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.
“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.”
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.
Updated
at 4.38pm BST
3.24pm BST
15:24
50 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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 3.42pm BST