Orlando Shooting Becomes Worst in U.S. History

Orlando Shooting Becomes Worst in U.S. History

Key Developments

  • The gunman has been identified as Omar Mir Seddique Mateen of Fort Pierce, Florida. He was born a U.S. citizen in New York to parents from Afghanistan.
  • The shooter pledged allegiance to ISIS in a phone call to 911.
  • 49 people, including Mateen, are deceased as a result of the shooting. As many as 50 injured are at local hospitals around the Orlando area. Twenty-seven people remain hospitalized as of June 14. Six remain "critically ill" and 5 are in "guarded" condition.
  • The gunman was recognized as someone who had been to the nightclub before. Officials believe he had been scouting out the location, as he was "calm and well-organized."
  • Officials believe the suspect had been scouting out Disney World as a possible location to attack, as well.
  • On June 15, the FBI called the attack both a hate crime and terrorism.
  • Investigators are focusing on the suspect's phone for clues as to the motive of the shooting.
  • The gunman's ex-wife is being investigated as it has been previously reported that she may have known about the attack before it happened.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, June 12, gunshots rang out inside a popular nightclub in Orlando, Florida. When the sun would rise, we would see the details of what is now being called the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.

An American-man, later identified as Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, entered the night club with an assault rifle and a pistol at about 2 a.m. and started shooting killed 49 people and wounding at least 53 others, Orlando officials said.

After the initial gunshots were fired, Mateen was confronted by an off duty officer and was taken outside the club where he fired more rounds to get away from the officer and ran back inside the club.

People were trapped inside the club during a three hour standoff as Orlando Police and the FBI worked to negotiate with the shooter. Finally, police crashed into the building with an armored vehicle and stun grenades in an effort to distract the shooter and rescue people from the building.

Nine officers entered the club following the distractions and the shootout that ensued resulted in the death of Mateen. Only one officer was hurt, with injuries to the face when his Kevlar helmet met a bullet from the gunman.

Following the mass shooting, Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in Orange County.

It has been determined that Mateen had been interviewed by the FBI in 2013 and 2014 in terror-related cases, but both cases were closed. Mateen was able to purchase both the firearms he used in the shooting legally.

Police are investigating to see if Mateen worked under the influence of ISIS or if the attack was ISIS inspired. During the attack, Mateen called 911 to pledge his allegiance to ISIS, mentioning the Boston Bombers on the call.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.