ORLANDO, Fla. — The suspected gunman in what became the worst mass shooting in U.S. history has killed 50 people and injured 53 others at the Pulse nightclub in the city’s center. The man has been identified as Omar Mateen, 29, according to Orlando Sentinel.
The Daily Beast has released a photo of Mateen:
According to the information compiled by multiple news outlets and police agencies, here’s what we know so far about the alleged mass murderer:
- Mateen acted alone and was killed by Orlando law enforcement.
- The Sentinel writes that he was a licensed gun owner and worked as a security guard.
- He was armed with an assault rifle, a handgun and an “unspecified device.”
- The Los Angeles Times reports Mateen may have had Islamic leanings.
- Mateen was a native of Port St. Lucie, which was about 120 miles south of Orlando’s coast. His family migrated to the U.S. from Afghanistan. He was born in New York in 1986.
- FBI says they have not ruled out terrorism as a motive.
- According to the Huffington Post, the father of the suspected gunman says his son was not driven by religious ideology, but instead a gay kiss he witnessed between two men in Miami a few months ago.
- Mateen’s ex-wife divulged to The Washington Post that he was abusive during their marriage.
- NBC News reports that Mateen called 911 moments before the shooting to pledge allegiance to ISIS.
The governor of Orlando has declared a state of emergency. Stay tuned to further updates.
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