Authorities have named Omar Saddiqui Mateen, 29, as the shooter responsible for the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. According to reports, Mateen entered Orlando’s Pulse, a gay nightclub, around 2 a.m. Sunday morning took hostages and opened fire, leaving 50 people dead and at least 53 injured in his wake.

CNN reports that Mateen had pledged allegiance to ISIS in a phone call around the time of the attack and has a history of suspected ties to extremist groups but wasn’t currently under investigation.

“It appears he was organized and well-prepared,” said Orlando Police Chief John Mina.

The club was reportedly packed with more than 300 people when Mateen entered the building, after exchanging fire with a police officer outside. Witnesses say that the shooting lasted minutes – “long enough to last a whole song,” according to Christopher Hansen.

“We know enough to say this was an act of terror and act of hate,” said President Obama in an address. He then went on to speak on the impact it will likely have on the country as a whole, but specifically the LGBT community by saying, “this is an especially heartbreaking day for our friends who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.”
This developing story will be updated as details emerge on this tragic incident. For now, we ask that you all keep the LGBT community, Orlando residents, victims and their families as well as members of the Muslim faith in your thoughts.
This is a developing story. We will update it as new information becomes available.
Photo Credit:Wiki Commons