Shooting in US Gay Club Linked to Islamist Terrorism; Gunman Caught

Shooting in US Gay Club Linked to Islamist Terrorism; Gunman Caught

An early morning shooting inside a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida has left around 50 people dead and at least 53 injured, according to police.

The assailant, identified in the US media as Omar Mateen, 29, was reportedly armed with assault-type rifle, a handgun and other devices, and was killed in a shootout with the police force.

“Unfortunately there are people who died from gunshot wounds, maybe around 20, inside the night club,” Ron Harper, an FBI special agent, said.

Orlando police chief John Mina said: “This did turn into a hostage situation. At approximately 05:00 hours (09:00 GMT) this morning, the decision was made to rescue hostages that were in there.”

The FBI are treating the attack as an act of terrorism although they are yet to ascertain if it’s of a domestic or international scale.

“We are investigating this from all parties’ perspective as an act of terrorism,” said Danny Banks, special agent in charge of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

“Whether that is domestic terrorist activity or an international one, that is something we will certainly get to the bottom of,” he added.

White House press office has issued a statement claiming US President Barack Obama had been briefed of the incident by Lisa Monaco, top advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.

Meanwhile, the major presidential candidates in the forthcoming elections, Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump, took to social media to express their shock and sadness and shock.

Woke up to hear the devastating news from FL. As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act. -H

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016

Really bad shooting in Orlando. Police investigating possible terrorism. Many people dead and wounded.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016

This latest episode of gun violence in the US is coming a day after rising singing star Christina Grimmie was shot and killed by a supposedly deranged fan as she signed autographs in Orlando.