Video: 'Orlando Nightclub Massacre: A Timeline of What Happened'
(Sunday, June 12, 2016, 2:02-5:14 a.m. EDT) — A gunman who pledged allegiance to the militant group Islamic State opened fire inside a packed gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, early today, killing 49 people and wounding 58 others before he was killed in a shootout with police in what authorities called the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history at the time.
Authorities identified the gunman as Omar Mateen, 29, of Florida. Investigators said Mateen called 911 shortly after the attack began and swore allegiance to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, prompting federal authorities to classify the massacre as an act of domestic terrorism.
Video: 'Surveillance video of Pulse nightclub shooting released'
The attack unfolded shortly after 2 a.m. at Pulse Nightclub, where hundreds had gathered for the club’s weekly “Latin Night.” Many of the victims were of Latino descent, authorities said.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted and terrified patrons fled for exits, hid in bathrooms, or sent desperate text messages to loved ones.
Video: '(WDBO-FM) Orlando Nightclub Shooting Initial Breaking News (June 12, 2016 / 4:00am)'
Police said the gunman exchanged fire with an off-duty officer working security before barricading himself inside the club with hostages. The standoff lasted more than three hours as negotiators attempted to communicate with Mateen, who also cited U.S. military actions in Iraq and Syria during conversations with authorities, officials said.
Shortly after 5 a.m. EDT, members of the Orlando Police Department breached the building using an armored vehicle and stormed the club. Mateen was killed in the ensuing gun battle.
Video: (WESH-TV) Orlando Nightclub Shooting Initial Breaking News (June 12, 2016 / 5:00am)'
The massacre marked the deadliest attack on the American LGBTQ community in U.S. history and the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil since the September 11 attacks.
Flags across Florida were ordered lowered as stunned residents gathered for vigils in honor of the victims.
