A man claiming allegiance to the Islamic State went on a shooting spree at a gay nightclub in Fort Pierce, Florida, on Sunday morning, killing 50 and wounding another 53 before he was gunned down by SWAT team.
The assailant was identified as 29-year-old Omar Mateen, a resident of Fort Pierce, which is about 120 miles from Orlando. He entered the nightclub armed with an assault rifle, a pistol, and many rounds of ammunition. He called up 911 in the middle of the attack to pledge his allegiance to ISIS. The IS radio on Monday called Mateen "one of the soldiers of the caliphate in America."
Mateen was suspected of terrorist ties in the past, but investigators have not yet found any evidence of his direct link with the militant group.
The shootout at Orlando Pulse nightclub began at around 2 AM on Sunday, and after a three-hour standoff, the police managed to overpower the gunman.
About 350 people were at Pulse at the time of the shootout. The Pulse posted a message on its Facebook page at 2:09 am, which said: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running."
After the attacker was downed, the victims were carried to the Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Doctors operated on about 26 people, who were severely wounded.
"Many of the gunshot wounds were fairly severe," said Dr. Michael Cheatham, chief surgical quality officer for the Orlando Regional Medical Center. "Many trunk, abdomen and extreme gunshot wounds. Our operating room has been quite busy all day long with those injuries."
"Our hearts are broken and we share in our community's grief," the hospital said in a statement. "We mourn for those killed in this horrific incident, and we are praying for their loved ones, as well as for healing for the wounded."
Hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital, waiting for updates from their loved ones who were at the club during the shootout.
Mateen had worked with a private security company, G4S Secure Solutions, since 2007. He was interviewed by FBI twice on suspicion of links with terrorists in 2013 and 2014, but sufficient evidence was not found against him.
He had purchased the assault rifle and handgun in the last two weeks before the attack.
"He is not a prohibited person. They can legally walk into a gun dealership and acquire and purchase firearms. He did so. And he did so within the last week or so," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Trevor Velinor.
President Barack Obama expressed grief over the incidence, and offered condolences to the victims of the families over a special address from the White House.
"Today, as Americans, we grieve the brutal murder -- a horrific massacre -- of dozens of innocent people. We pray for their families, who are grasping for answers with broken hearts. We stand with the people of Orlando, who have endured a terrible attack on their city."
"In the face of hate and violence, we will love one another. We will not give in to fear or turn against each other," he added. "Instead, we will stand united as Americans to protect our people and defend our nation, and to take action against those who threaten us."
