Law enforcement investigating this as 'act of terrorism'
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| The man who authorities say killed about 20 people and wounded at least 42 others during a mass shooting at a downtown Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning has been identified |
Law enforcement officers and emergency crews descended on the Pulse nightclub off Orange Avenue and Kaley Street about 2 a.m. Sunday. The shooter has been identified as Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, according to NBC News.
Authorities said an officer working at the club responded to a call of shots fired just after 2 a.m. As officers engaged the assailant in a gun battle, the incident evolved into a hostage situation, police said. SWAT teams responded to the scene
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said a decision was made to rescue hostages about 5 a.m. At that point, SWAT team members exchanged fire with the gunman, who has since been confirmed dead.
Police said the shooter was armed with an assault-type rifle, a handgun and some sort of device.
While Mina wouldn’t provide an exact number, he said about 20 people were dead inside the nightclub. At the scene, many other victims could be seen being carried or walked to the nearby Orlando Regional Medical Center, which was placed on lockdown.
Hospital officials said Arnold Palmer Hospital and Winnie Palmer Hospital were also locked down out of an abundance of caution.
Mina said more than 40 people were taken to various area hospitals.
State and federal agencies are assisting local authorities in the emergency response and investigation. An FBI spokesman said the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism and that authorities are working to determine whether the shooter acted alone.
The White House said President Obama was briefed on the situation Sunday morning. "The President was briefed this morning by Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, on the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims. The President asked to receive regular updates as the FBI, and other federal officials, work with the Orlando Police to gather more information, and directed that the federal government provide any assistance necessary to pursue the investigation and support the community," the White House said.
A witness reported hearing about 40 gunshots at the club, but authorities would not confirm how many rounds were fired.
The emergency response prompted multiple road closures around the nightclub. Police asked the public to avoid the area.
A loud noise near the nightclub about 5 a.m. was confirmed by authorities to have been a "controlled explosion," which was used as a distraction, police said.
"Everyone get out of Pulse and keep running," the club posted on its official Facebook page at 2:09 a.m.
ORMC established a meeting area for family members who believe they may have a loved one being treated at the hospital as a result of the shooting.
Anyone who believes they have a friend or family member there should go to the main entrance of ORMC's new north tower at 52 West Underwood St., where they will be escorted to the area. Identification will be required for admittance.
Authorities asked witnesses to go to the Orlando Police Department at 100 S. Hughey Ave.
Orlando Health asked team members not scheduled to work to not attempt to come in unless they've been contacted by their supervisor. Team members scheduled to work should avoid the intersection of Kaley Street and Orange Avenue, and be prepared to show an ID badge to access the campus.
Officials said there is an urgent need for O Negative, O Positive and AB Plasma blood donors. All eligible O Negative, O Positive and AB donors are urged to donate today.
Generally healthy people 16 and older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. To find a donation center or Big Red Bus near you visit www.oneblood.org or call 1.888.9Donate.