Florida Gay Club Gunman Legally Purchased Weapons While on FBI Watch

ORLANDO, FL – After the tragic shooting death of 22-year-old NBC “The Voice” singer Christina Grimmie, who was best-known for her Youtube covers left the City of Orlando residents stunned another senseless shooting occurred. 

The second shooting on the morning of Sunday, June 12, 2016, was of a much  larger magnitude and

“Our officer engaged in a gun battle with that suspect and the suspect went deeper into the club where more shots were fired,” said City of Orlando Police officials in a Sunday evening press release.  “The incident then turned into a hostage situation.”

The club occupants scattered throughout the club hoping to dodge the bullets and find cover, but 49 were ultimately killed and 53 more were reported injured in what is now being called an act of terrorism by the FBI.

At 5:00 a.m. authorities decided to move into the club to rescue hostages still inside.  Police and SWAT were able to rescue dozens of people bringing them out alive Orlando officials said. The suspect, 29-year-old Omar Mir Seddique Mateen of Fort Pierce, Florida, an American citizen was shot dead by authorities during an exchange of gunfire.

shot dead by authorities during an exchange of gunfire.

Mateen was found to have used a legally purchased AR15-type rifle and a handgun in the shooting. The FBI named  Mateen, who was born in New York the sole suspect in the mass shooting. The FBI has been aware of Mateen since 2013 as they believed he may have had possible ISIS ties.

“Today marks the most deadly shooting in American history,” said President Barack Obama, in a Sunday morning speech. Florida Governor, Rick Scott declared a state of emergency and the City of Orlando also declared a state of emergency.

“This is probably the most difficult day in the history of Orlando,”said Orlando’s Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We will not be defined by this act of terror.”

Mir Seddique, the father of the shooter said that shooting was not done for religious reasons, but was due to Mateen being with his family a couple of weeks ago and witnessing two men kissing.

Police are asking anyone who was at the Pulse nightclub and witnessed this tragic shooting to go to the

[media-credit name=”Orlando Police Dept.” align=”alignright” width=”300″][/media-credit]

Orlando Police Headquarters at 100 S. Hughey Avenue. Those looking for a family member are asked to call the crisis hotline at (407)246-4357.

At this time, the victims are still being identified but a preliminary list has been provided and is being updated as the names become available. The list is as follows:

Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34 years old

Stanley Almodovar III, 23 years old

Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20 years old

Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22 years old

Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36 years old

Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22 years old

Luis S. Vielma, 22 years old

Kimberly Morris, 37 years old

https://twitter.com/wtfelias/status/741897596617129984

https://twitter.com/Jaxxiimarie/status/741912273816588288

This video just broke my heart. Prayers to all the #PulseShooting victims & hope her son is found 😞🙏 https://t.co/LufjbrHjPX

— Miley Ray Cyrus (@mileysbae) June 12, 2016

Chief Mina speaking at press conference pic.twitter.com/BYpMRoEp2d

— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016

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