I have been in constant communication with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and state and local law enforcement this morning. Our state emergency operations center is also monitoring this tragic incident. In a statement, he said: "We are a strong and resilient state and we will devote every resource available to assist with the shooting in Orlando. Rick Scott, Florida's governor, described the events as a "horrific tragedy". "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.” Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims. President Barack Obama's office said in a statement: “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. In an interview with local television station Wesh, he said: “How can you not say that this was an attack on the LGBT community when it’s done in an LGBT club and a shooter walks in and there are 20 of your community members lying in a club and another 40 lying on hospital gurneys.” Terry DeCarlo from the GLBT Community Center of Orlando said they will be providing counselling, in person or by phone, to those affected by the night’s events. One officer was shot in the head but his Kevlar helmet saved his life.Ī mother has told how her son texted her from the club toilets where he was hiding, telling her "I'm gonna die" and "Mommy I love you" before a final text saying: "He's coming." All I can tell you was the club was packed, there were over 100 people there, if the gunman came in through the front door people were injured or worse.” I had someone over me, I really didn’t see. Richard Negroni said: “We just heard shots, it was less than a minute, it felt longer. One witness told Sky News there had been more than 100 people inside the venue for the club’s Latin night when the gunman entered the building and began firing into the ceiling and into the crowd. We need to stand strong and we need to be supportive of the victims are their families." And tonight we had a crime that will have a lasting effect on our community. Orland mayor, Buddy Dyer, said in a statement: "We are strong, resiliant community. We will need to help each other's get through this.
Police say the suspect was carrying an assault-type rifle and a handgun as well as an unidentified "device" on him. Witnesses in the club posted messages on social media as the stand-off took place, while one reportedly texted his mother to say: "He's rounded us up and he is going to kill us."Ī message posted on Pulse's Facebook page read: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running"
At least one officer was injured in the gun fight but the police action saved at least 30 lives, Mr Mina said.
There were approximately 320 people in the club when the shooting began. Our officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect. 0500 hours this morning, the decision was made to rescue hostages that were in there. Orlando Police Chief John Mina told a press conference: "At. It was unclear when the victims were shot by the gunman. It already ranks as one of the deadliest shootings in American history, with a larger death toll than the attacks in San Bernardino, California last December.
Orlando nightclub shooting: Police confirm gunman is dead after 'mass casualties' reported at Florida gay club.