This article is from the source 'bbc' 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.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36511778

The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Orlando nightclub shooting: How the attack unfolded Orlando nightclub shooting: How the attack unfolded
(35 minutes later)
A gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing at least 50 people and injuring dozens before being shot dead by police. What do we know about what happened?A gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing at least 50 people and injuring dozens before being shot dead by police. What do we know about what happened?
How the incident unfoldedHow the incident unfolded
The attack began at about 02:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Sunday, said Police Chief John Mina.The attack began at about 02:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Sunday, said Police Chief John Mina.
Pulse, which is one of the biggest nightclubs in Orlando, Florida, was holding a Latin-themed event that was nearing its end when a man opened fire inside.Pulse, which is one of the biggest nightclubs in Orlando, Florida, was holding a Latin-themed event that was nearing its end when a man opened fire inside.
Shortly afterwards, the nightclub posted on its Facebook page: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running."Shortly afterwards, the nightclub posted on its Facebook page: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running."
Police sources have told US media the gunman was in possession of a suspicious device strapped to his body.Police sources have told US media the gunman was in possession of a suspicious device strapped to his body.
There was an exchange of fire with a police officer working at the club, but it is unclear whether that was inside or outside the venue.There was an exchange of fire with a police officer working at the club, but it is unclear whether that was inside or outside the venue.
A hostage situation developed and at 05:00 local time (09:00 GMT), officers stormed the building and detonated a "controlled explosion".A hostage situation developed and at 05:00 local time (09:00 GMT), officers stormed the building and detonated a "controlled explosion".
The gunman was killed and police said at least 50 people are also dead, making it the worst mass shooting in recent US history.The gunman was killed and police said at least 50 people are also dead, making it the worst mass shooting in recent US history.
That figure could rise, with at least 53 wounded people taken to hospital.That figure could rise, with at least 53 wounded people taken to hospital.
Live updates on shootingLive updates on shooting
Fifty killed in Orlando club shootingFifty killed in Orlando club shooting
Who was the gunman?Who was the gunman?
Officials have named the suspect as Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old from Fort Pierce, a city about two hours drive south of Orlando, in St Lucie County.Officials have named the suspect as Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old from Fort Pierce, a city about two hours drive south of Orlando, in St Lucie County.
An FBI spokesman said the gunman appeared to "have leanings towards" radical Islamist ideology but it was not yet clear whether this was a case of domestic or international terrorism. An FBI spokesman said the gunman phoned emergency services before the attack and pledged allegiance to Islamic State group.
The group has called him an IS "fighter" but no links between him and them have been confirmed.
Police departments across the country are increasing patrols near locations frequented by the LGBT community.Police departments across the country are increasing patrols near locations frequented by the LGBT community.
In Los Angeles, an armed man was arrested by Santa Monica police as he headed to the LA Pride event.In Los Angeles, an armed man was arrested by Santa Monica police as he headed to the LA Pride event.
Mr Mateen's father told NBC News his son became very angry when he saw two men kissing recently in Miami.Mr Mateen's father told NBC News his son became very angry when he saw two men kissing recently in Miami.
What have eyewitnesses said?What have eyewitnesses said?
There were about 320 people inside the club during the shooting, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Some have been speaking about what they witnessed.There were about 320 people inside the club during the shooting, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Some have been speaking about what they witnessed.
"All you saw is people running and screaming and there were bodies in the parking lot where bodies were being tagged," Christopher Hansen told CNN. "It was like a scene from a horror movie.""All you saw is people running and screaming and there were bodies in the parking lot where bodies were being tagged," Christopher Hansen told CNN. "It was like a scene from a horror movie."
Jon Alamo said he saw a man holding a weapon walking into the room he was in.Jon Alamo said he saw a man holding a weapon walking into the room he was in.
"I heard 20, 40, 50 shots, he said. "The music stopped.""I heard 20, 40, 50 shots, he said. "The music stopped."
Has there been political reaction?Has there been political reaction?
US President Barack Obama said this was an act of terror and an act of hate, but authorities were investigating whether there were links to extremist groups.US President Barack Obama said this was an act of terror and an act of hate, but authorities were investigating whether there were links to extremist groups.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, tweeted: "Really bad shooting in Orlando. Police investigating possible terrorism. Many people dead and wounded." The presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, called on the president to resign for not using the words "Islamic terrorism".
His Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, tweeted: "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." His Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, said: "To the LGBT community: please know that you have millions of allies across our country. I am one of them.
"We will keep fighting for your right to live freely, openly and without fear. Hate has absolutely no place in America."
She also said there was a need to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists or other violent criminals.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio told CNN the gunman was an "animal" whose act of violence showed that "this is the new face of the war on terror".Florida Senator Marco Rubio told CNN the gunman was an "animal" whose act of violence showed that "this is the new face of the war on terror".
He also paid tribute to the police officers who "saved lives" by raiding the club to bring the attack to an end.He also paid tribute to the police officers who "saved lives" by raiding the club to bring the attack to an end.