This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/jun/13/orlando-shooting-omar-mateen-pulse-nightclub-live

The article has changed 32 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
Orlando shooting: mayor mourns 'most horrific day' in city's history – live Orlando shooting: mayor mourns 'most horrific day' in city's history – live
(35 minutes later)
4.10pm BST
16:10
Three more victims have been identified by the city of Orlando, for a total of 36 of the 49 people killed.
3.51pm BST
15:51
Spencer Ackerman
The FBI first investigated Omar Mateen, the gunman of the Orlando massacre, in 2013 after he falsely claimed he knew the Tsarnaev brothers, the perpetrators of the Boston Marathon bombing that year, my colleague Spencer Ackerman reports.
Mateen told co-workers at the private-security firm employing him that he knew Tamerlan and Dhzokhar Tsarnaev, according to a source close to the investigation who requested anonymity.
The FBI interviewed Mateen on two occasions in 2013. Ultimately, bureau investigators determined that Mateen had invented the connection and did not pose a security threat.
The FBI confirmed Mateen’s false claim, but would not comment on the invented Tsarnaev connection.
“I can confirm that the subject made allegations of terror ties that investigation proved to be unfounded, but I can’t comment on the specific association,” Matthew Berton, an FBI spokesman, told the Guardian.
Mateen was employed by the private security firm G4S and in 2013 worked as an armed security guard for a St Lucie, Florida courthouse. Mateen is believed to have voluntarily informed the company of his contact with the FBI. G4S continued to employ him, and his last role with the firm, active until his death on Sunday, was in an unarmed role, guarding a gated retirement community.
Some people close to the investigation consider Mateen’s unusual boast of terror ties to be relevant to understanding his motivations for attacking Pulse. The FBI investigation remains in its early stages, but his motive is the principal unsolved question.
The invented connection to a prior terrorist act has raised some doubts around the sincerity of his pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State in a 911 call on Sunday.
US officials preliminarily consider Mateen not to have had any ties to the jihadist group, making him a so-called lone wolf attacker – if, indeed, his motivation was to attack the US rather than violent homophobia or mental instability, as a co-worker and ex-wife have respectively suggested.
Related: Orlando shooter investigated for false claim of ties to Boston Marathon bombers
3.28pm BST3.28pm BST
15:2815:28
The radio station of terror group Islamic State has taken credit for the shooting in Orlando, but my colleague Jason Burke and the New York Times’ Rukmini Callimachi have each parsed the ways Isis claims responsibility for acts its members neither coordinated nor had any knowledge of.The radio station of terror group Islamic State has taken credit for the shooting in Orlando, but my colleague Jason Burke and the New York Times’ Rukmini Callimachi have each parsed the ways Isis claims responsibility for acts its members neither coordinated nor had any knowledge of.
Jason writes:Jason writes:
Isis also made it clear that the shooting had not been commissioned by senior commanders in the Middle East, as was the case with the Paris attacks in November. This suggests that Isis felt clearly that the fact that it was inspiring distant attackers was worth emphasising as a vindication of its ideology and strategy, as well to inspire greater fear among Americans.Isis also made it clear that the shooting had not been commissioned by senior commanders in the Middle East, as was the case with the Paris attacks in November. This suggests that Isis felt clearly that the fact that it was inspiring distant attackers was worth emphasising as a vindication of its ideology and strategy, as well to inspire greater fear among Americans.
On Sunday, a news agency associated with Isis also claimed the Orlando attack. A short statement said the operation had been carried out by an “Islamic State fighter”. This appears credible, but the brevity suggests that the group had no prior knowledge of the operation and that it was conducted by a “lone wolf”.On Sunday, a news agency associated with Isis also claimed the Orlando attack. A short statement said the operation had been carried out by an “Islamic State fighter”. This appears credible, but the brevity suggests that the group had no prior knowledge of the operation and that it was conducted by a “lone wolf”.
He adds that though Isis’ members have directed violence against gay people, the Pulse nightclub was the first venue targeted among bars, airports, concert halls and stadiums to be explicitly an LGBT-friendly place. More details may come with a transcript of Omar Mateen’s reported pledge to Isis – members of al-Qaida and Isis swear allegiance to a leader, not an organization; it’s not clear what exactly Mateen said to a 911 operator.He adds that though Isis’ members have directed violence against gay people, the Pulse nightclub was the first venue targeted among bars, airports, concert halls and stadiums to be explicitly an LGBT-friendly place. More details may come with a transcript of Omar Mateen’s reported pledge to Isis – members of al-Qaida and Isis swear allegiance to a leader, not an organization; it’s not clear what exactly Mateen said to a 911 operator.
The Times’ Callimachi wrote that Isis’ radio report on Monday described Mateen as “one of the soldiers of the Caliphate,” a term used for both fighters on battlegrounds abroad and for people who act in the group’s name, “even if they have no direct ties to the group”.The Times’ Callimachi wrote that Isis’ radio report on Monday described Mateen as “one of the soldiers of the Caliphate,” a term used for both fighters on battlegrounds abroad and for people who act in the group’s name, “even if they have no direct ties to the group”.
26. As early as 2014, ISIS explained that *anyone* could carry out an act of terror in their name. "Do not ask for permission," Adnani said26. As early as 2014, ISIS explained that *anyone* could carry out an act of terror in their name. "Do not ask for permission," Adnani said
“The sequence of events mirrors the manner in which the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for other recent attacks,” she continued, citing the aftermath of last year’s mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, by a married couple.“The sequence of events mirrors the manner in which the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for other recent attacks,” she continued, citing the aftermath of last year’s mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, by a married couple.
Then, as now, the first confirmation of the Islamic State’s role came in a bulletin issued by the Amaq News Agency, which acts as the terrorist group’s news agency. The language in the news release attempts to mimic the neutral terms used by international news outlets. …Then, as now, the first confirmation of the Islamic State’s role came in a bulletin issued by the Amaq News Agency, which acts as the terrorist group’s news agency. The language in the news release attempts to mimic the neutral terms used by international news outlets. …
In both cases, the initial release was followed by the formal Bayan bulletin, in which any pretense of neutrality fell away and the killers were described in religious terms, as “soldiers of the Caliphate.”In both cases, the initial release was followed by the formal Bayan bulletin, in which any pretense of neutrality fell away and the killers were described in religious terms, as “soldiers of the Caliphate.”
What ties Mateen had to any member of any terrorist group are not clear. The FBI investigated him in 2013 for “inflammatory remarks” and in 2014 for alleged communications with a man who later became the first Isis suicide bomber of American citizenship.What ties Mateen had to any member of any terrorist group are not clear. The FBI investigated him in 2013 for “inflammatory remarks” and in 2014 for alleged communications with a man who later became the first Isis suicide bomber of American citizenship.
Related: Was Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen directed by Isis?Related: Was Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen directed by Isis?
2.59pm BST2.59pm BST
14:5914:59
Orlando names 33 victimsOrlando names 33 victims
Thirty-three of the 49 victims of Sunday’s shooting have now been publicly named.Thirty-three of the 49 victims of Sunday’s shooting have now been publicly named.
The youngest was 19 years old, the oldest 50: they included a pharmacist, an employee of nearby Harry Potter World, a nursing student, the club’s bouncer, and dozens of sons, daughters, friends and partners.The youngest was 19 years old, the oldest 50: they included a pharmacist, an employee of nearby Harry Potter World, a nursing student, the club’s bouncer, and dozens of sons, daughters, friends and partners.
@CaitlinDineen Shane...a beautiful person who's smile lights up a room pic.twitter.com/is4T5bsvca
Related: Orlando victims: travel agent, brand manager and technician among the deadRelated: Orlando victims: travel agent, brand manager and technician among the dead
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.43pm BST at 4.12pm BST
2.38pm BST2.38pm BST
14:3814:38
The city of Orlando has released the names of several more victims killed – the youngest victim of the shooting was a teenager.The city of Orlando has released the names of several more victims killed – the youngest victim of the shooting was a teenager.
Four additional Pulse Nightclub shooting confirmed victims. For a complete list, visit https://t.co/XkU3pyAs47 pic.twitter.com/p7K2cq0B9aFour additional Pulse Nightclub shooting confirmed victims. For a complete list, visit https://t.co/XkU3pyAs47 pic.twitter.com/p7K2cq0B9a
3 additional Pulse Nightclub shooting victims confirmed: Luis Daniel Conde, 39;Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33;Juan Chevez-Martinez, 253 additional Pulse Nightclub shooting victims confirmed: Luis Daniel Conde, 39;Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33;Juan Chevez-Martinez, 25
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.40pm BSTat 2.40pm BST
2.26pm BST2.26pm BST
14:2614:26
Readers have been sharing photographs from around the world of tributes to the Orlando victims, and my colleagues in London are helping curate images of the memorials.Readers have been sharing photographs from around the world of tributes to the Orlando victims, and my colleagues in London are helping curate images of the memorials.
If you have any photos of vigils and tributes you’d like to share you can do so by clicking on the “Contribute” button in the live blog.If you have any photos of vigils and tributes you’d like to share you can do so by clicking on the “Contribute” button in the live blog.
In New York, the historic Stonewall Inn, where the gay rights movement began in the US, has been transformed into a monument to the victims of Orlando.In New York, the historic Stonewall Inn, where the gay rights movement began in the US, has been transformed into a monument to the victims of Orlando.
"You can take my life but you won't stop our voice," sign at Stonewall Vigil says. pic.twitter.com/WGtI5XfdSa"You can take my life but you won't stop our voice," sign at Stonewall Vigil says. pic.twitter.com/WGtI5XfdSa
2.04pm BST2.04pm BST
14:0414:04
What we knowWhat we know
A summary of the latest police and FBI briefing on the investigation into the worst mass shooting in American history, perpetrated at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in the early hours of Sunday morning.A summary of the latest police and FBI briefing on the investigation into the worst mass shooting in American history, perpetrated at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Also from Monday morning:Also from Monday morning:
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.09pm BSTat 2.09pm BST
1.40pm BST1.40pm BST
13:4013:40
The Republican presumptive nominee for president, Donald Trump, has made three media appearances this morning to discuss Orlando.The Republican presumptive nominee for president, Donald Trump, has made three media appearances this morning to discuss Orlando.
He first appeared on a Fox program, Fox and Friends, where he said: “I’m getting thousands of letters and tweets that I was right about the whole situation.”He first appeared on a Fox program, Fox and Friends, where he said: “I’m getting thousands of letters and tweets that I was right about the whole situation.”
“I’ve been right about a lot of things,” he added. “I’m calling for strength. I’m calling for intelligence.”“I’ve been right about a lot of things,” he added. “I’m calling for strength. I’m calling for intelligence.”
He was not specific about what he was “right about” or how “strength” and “intelligence” would prevent mass shootings by US citizens who legally purchased weapons.He was not specific about what he was “right about” or how “strength” and “intelligence” would prevent mass shootings by US citizens who legally purchased weapons.
He insisted that the presumptive Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, won’t say “radical Islam” because “she’s afraid to mention it because her boss will be angry at her.”He insisted that the presumptive Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, won’t say “radical Islam” because “she’s afraid to mention it because her boss will be angry at her.”
Clinton appeared on CNN on Monday and said: “to me, radical jihadism, radical Islamism, I think they mean the same thing.”Clinton appeared on CNN on Monday and said: “to me, radical jihadism, radical Islamism, I think they mean the same thing.”
“I’m not going to demonize and demagogue and declare war on an entire religion,” she added. “That’s just plain dangerous and it plays into the hands of Isis.”“I’m not going to demonize and demagogue and declare war on an entire religion,” she added. “That’s just plain dangerous and it plays into the hands of Isis.”
On the ABC program Good Morning America, Trump said there should be “a ban on people coming in from Syria”.On the ABC program Good Morning America, Trump said there should be “a ban on people coming in from Syria”.
The host reminded him the gunman was a US citizen who is believed to have spent his entire life in New York and Florida. Trump continued talking about non-US citizens.The host reminded him the gunman was a US citizen who is believed to have spent his entire life in New York and Florida. Trump continued talking about non-US citizens.
Finally Trump appeared on CNN with a new plan: “we need much better intelligence gathering information.”Finally Trump appeared on CNN with a new plan: “we need much better intelligence gathering information.”
“We need intelligence gathering centers,” he said, saying that “people in the area, the people in the neighborhood, they knew there’s something off with him.”“We need intelligence gathering centers,” he said, saying that “people in the area, the people in the neighborhood, they knew there’s something off with him.”
He proposed surveillance of mosques and Muslim communities.He proposed surveillance of mosques and Muslim communities.
“There are people living in the United States with the same kind of hate in their heart as he had,” he added. He notes an argument raised by Clinton: “in this case [Mateen] was licensed, which is kind of an amazing thing.”“There are people living in the United States with the same kind of hate in their heart as he had,” he added. He notes an argument raised by Clinton: “in this case [Mateen] was licensed, which is kind of an amazing thing.”
Republicans blocked a plan to prohibit gun purchases to people on the FBI watchlist last year. Trump does not mention this. “If you had guns in that room, even if you had a number of people strapped to their ankle, strapped to their waist,” he said, “you wouldn’t have had the tragedy.”Republicans blocked a plan to prohibit gun purchases to people on the FBI watchlist last year. Trump does not mention this. “If you had guns in that room, even if you had a number of people strapped to their ankle, strapped to their waist,” he said, “you wouldn’t have had the tragedy.”
He ignored the CNN host’s note that an armed police officer returned fire on the gunman immediately after the shooting began.He ignored the CNN host’s note that an armed police officer returned fire on the gunman immediately after the shooting began.
1.21pm BST1.21pm BST
13:2113:21
The presumptive Democratic nominee for president, Hillary Clinton, criticized Florida’s gun laws and spoke about the potential links between Isis and the gunmen, in a Monday morning interview with CNN.The presumptive Democratic nominee for president, Hillary Clinton, criticized Florida’s gun laws and spoke about the potential links between Isis and the gunmen, in a Monday morning interview with CNN.
“Isis appears to be claiming credit for it whether it seem [that they actually] had anything to do with it or not they appear to [have inspired it],” Clinton said.“Isis appears to be claiming credit for it whether it seem [that they actually] had anything to do with it or not they appear to [have inspired it],” Clinton said.
She was asked about whether she would call this “radical Islamic terrorism”.She was asked about whether she would call this “radical Islamic terrorism”.
“From my perspective it matters what we do, not what we say,” she says. “I have clearly said we face terrorist enemies who use Islam [to justify violence], whether you call it radical jihadism, radical Islamism.”“From my perspective it matters what we do, not what we say,” she says. “I have clearly said we face terrorist enemies who use Islam [to justify violence], whether you call it radical jihadism, radical Islamism.”
On Sunday night, her challenger for the presidency, Donald Trump, said Clinton should exit the race if she refused to say “radical Islam”. He also said Barack Obama should step down from the presidency if he would not use the phrase.On Sunday night, her challenger for the presidency, Donald Trump, said Clinton should exit the race if she refused to say “radical Islam”. He also said Barack Obama should step down from the presidency if he would not use the phrase.
“What I won’t do, because I think it is dangerous in our efforts to defeat this threat, is to demonize and demagogue and declare war on an entire religion,” Clinton said. “That plays right into Isis’ hands.”“What I won’t do, because I think it is dangerous in our efforts to defeat this threat, is to demonize and demagogue and declare war on an entire religion,” Clinton said. “That plays right into Isis’ hands.”
“We also want to reach out to the vast majority of American Muslims and Muslims around this world to help us defeat this threat which is so evil and has got to be denounced by everyone regardless of religion,” Clinton said.“We also want to reach out to the vast majority of American Muslims and Muslims around this world to help us defeat this threat which is so evil and has got to be denounced by everyone regardless of religion,” Clinton said.
She then noted that Florida has some of the most lax gun laws in the nation. The state does not regulate assault weapons or high-capacity magazines, does not require a permit to get a gun, and does not require gun owners be licensed. It also has weak background check rules.She then noted that Florida has some of the most lax gun laws in the nation. The state does not regulate assault weapons or high-capacity magazines, does not require a permit to get a gun, and does not require gun owners be licensed. It also has weak background check rules.
“Common sense gun safety” measures, she said, “would at least make a difference.”“Common sense gun safety” measures, she said, “would at least make a difference.”
“We did have an assault weapons ban for 10 years and I think it should be reinstated.”“We did have an assault weapons ban for 10 years and I think it should be reinstated.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.41pm BSTat 1.41pm BST
1.06pm BST1.06pm BST
13:0613:06
During the press conference, another three people were named as victims in the attack:During the press conference, another three people were named as victims in the attack:
• Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31.• Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31.
• Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26.• Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26.
• Enrique L Rios Jr, 25.• Enrique L Rios Jr, 25.
1.02pm BST1.02pm BST
13:0213:02
Police chief: “It was a barricaded hostage situation”Police chief: “It was a barricaded hostage situation”
Chief Mina returned to the podium to answer questions about the attack.Chief Mina returned to the podium to answer questions about the attack.
“It was a barricaded hostage situation,” Mina said.“It was a barricaded hostage situation,” Mina said.
Crisis negotiators were in communication with the gunman, Omar Mateen, during the hostage situation but did not hear shots fired during those calls, he said. Mina confirmed that Mateen made an allegiance to Isis during the negotiations.Crisis negotiators were in communication with the gunman, Omar Mateen, during the hostage situation but did not hear shots fired during those calls, he said. Mina confirmed that Mateen made an allegiance to Isis during the negotiations.
He said Mateen was “cool and calm” during the discussions.He said Mateen was “cool and calm” during the discussions.
In addition to the 15 people held hostage in a Pulse bathroom, another 15 to 20 people were hiding inside another club bathroom.In addition to the 15 people held hostage in a Pulse bathroom, another 15 to 20 people were hiding inside another club bathroom.
Police entered the building after determining that “loss of life was imminent.”Police entered the building after determining that “loss of life was imminent.”
#PulseShooting @ChiefJohnMina on what led to decision to breach walls of club and go in. #OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/CiPGgGXvsS#PulseShooting @ChiefJohnMina on what led to decision to breach walls of club and go in. #OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/CiPGgGXvsS
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.01pm BSTat 3.01pm BST
12.52pm BST12.52pm BST
12:5212:52
US attorney Lee Bentley said investigators have collected a great amount of “electronic and physical evidence”.US attorney Lee Bentley said investigators have collected a great amount of “electronic and physical evidence”.
“We do not know yet whether anyone else will be charged in connection with this crime,” Bentley said.“We do not know yet whether anyone else will be charged in connection with this crime,” Bentley said.
Regina Lombardo, a special agent in charge from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), said two guns found on the scene had been traced back to the shooter. ATF is still tracing a third weapon found inside a vehicle.Regina Lombardo, a special agent in charge from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), said two guns found on the scene had been traced back to the shooter. ATF is still tracing a third weapon found inside a vehicle.
12.47pm BST12.47pm BST
12:4712:47
Orlando police chief John Mina said there were about 15 hostages in a bathroom at Pulse.Orlando police chief John Mina said there were about 15 hostages in a bathroom at Pulse.
Police decided to commence a rescue because further loss of life was imminent, he said.Police decided to commence a rescue because further loss of life was imminent, he said.
Officers used an armored response attack truck, the Bearcat, to open a hole in the building.Officers used an armored response attack truck, the Bearcat, to open a hole in the building.
“We were able to rescue dozens and dozens of people who came out of that hole,” Mina said.“We were able to rescue dozens and dozens of people who came out of that hole,” Mina said.
Mina said the suspect also emerged from the hole, armed and shooting, which is when police engaged in a gunfight with him. The suspect, Omar Mateen, died in the gunfight.Mina said the suspect also emerged from the hole, armed and shooting, which is when police engaged in a gunfight with him. The suspect, Omar Mateen, died in the gunfight.
12.36pm BST12.36pm BST
12:3612:36
Police clarified that the 50 dead includes the gunman.Police clarified that the 50 dead includes the gunman.
Official victim count: 49 shooting victims plus suspect. Total 50. pic.twitter.com/wkh6A83fNVOfficial victim count: 49 shooting victims plus suspect. Total 50. pic.twitter.com/wkh6A83fNV
12.35pm BST12.35pm BST
12:3512:35
Mayor says 48 victims identifiedMayor says 48 victims identified
Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer is the first to speak at the Monday morning update on yesterday’s shooting.Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer is the first to speak at the Monday morning update on yesterday’s shooting.
“Yesterday was the most horrific day in the history of the city of Orlando,” Dyer begins.“Yesterday was the most horrific day in the history of the city of Orlando,” Dyer begins.
He continued to thank the police and first responders for their work.He continued to thank the police and first responders for their work.
All of the victims were removed from the scene by 11pm ET, Dyer said.All of the victims were removed from the scene by 11pm ET, Dyer said.
He said 48 of the 49 dead had been identified and 24 of the next of kin have been notified. Dyer did not explain why he said 49 victims instead of 50, as he had reported earlier.He said 48 of the 49 dead had been identified and 24 of the next of kin have been notified. Dyer did not explain why he said 49 victims instead of 50, as he had reported earlier.
“We will not be defined by the act of a cowardly hater, we will be defined by how we respond,” Dyer said.“We will not be defined by the act of a cowardly hater, we will be defined by how we respond,” Dyer said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.35pm BSTat 12.35pm BST
12.30pm BST12.30pm BST
12:3012:30
Jason BurkeJason Burke
Jason Burke, the Guardian’s Africa correspondent, examined whether there are any ties between the Orlando gunman and Isis:Jason Burke, the Guardian’s Africa correspondent, examined whether there are any ties between the Orlando gunman and Isis:
One indication of Mateen’s level of knowledge will be the wording of the pledge that he made. People involved with groups such as al-Qaida and Isis swear allegiance to a leader, not the organisation, which follows Arab, Islamic and other customs. So far, Mateen is reported to have pledged loyalty to Isis, which would indicate a degree of ignorance and, most likely, relatively recent radicalisation.One indication of Mateen’s level of knowledge will be the wording of the pledge that he made. People involved with groups such as al-Qaida and Isis swear allegiance to a leader, not the organisation, which follows Arab, Islamic and other customs. So far, Mateen is reported to have pledged loyalty to Isis, which would indicate a degree of ignorance and, most likely, relatively recent radicalisation.
A final lesson from previous attacks involving lone wolves is that they are very rarely as lone as they look. In Europe, many who were described as “lone actors” by authorities have later been found to be connected to al-Qaida, Isis or other factions and splinter groups, even if only tenuously.A final lesson from previous attacks involving lone wolves is that they are very rarely as lone as they look. In Europe, many who were described as “lone actors” by authorities have later been found to be connected to al-Qaida, Isis or other factions and splinter groups, even if only tenuously.
In US, such links are rarer, not least because far fewer Americans have travelled to the conflict zones of the Islamic world. Significantly perhaps, Mateen is reported to have referred to the Tsarnaev brothers, who bombed the Boston marathon in 2013 and were not connected to any jihadi group, when he called 911 to make his pledge of allegiance to Isis before carrying out the attack in Orlando.In US, such links are rarer, not least because far fewer Americans have travelled to the conflict zones of the Islamic world. Significantly perhaps, Mateen is reported to have referred to the Tsarnaev brothers, who bombed the Boston marathon in 2013 and were not connected to any jihadi group, when he called 911 to make his pledge of allegiance to Isis before carrying out the attack in Orlando.
12.20pm BST12.20pm BST
12:2012:20
Orlando shooting victim’s mother describes son’s last texts – videoOrlando shooting victim’s mother describes son’s last texts – video
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.27pm BSTat 12.27pm BST
12.08pm BST12.08pm BST
12:0812:08
Nadia KhomamiNadia Khomami
Guardian reporter Nadia Khomami has a nice round-up of tributes to the Orlando victims from across the globe.Guardian reporter Nadia Khomami has a nice round-up of tributes to the Orlando victims from across the globe.
On Monday, Paris councillors observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the attack, in which 50 people were killed and 53 injured. Cities across the world held vigils in November 2015 for the 130 who died in attacks in the French capital, often illuminating buildings in the colours of the French national flag.On Monday, Paris councillors observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the attack, in which 50 people were killed and 53 injured. Cities across the world held vigils in November 2015 for the 130 who died in attacks in the French capital, often illuminating buildings in the colours of the French national flag.
In London, venues along Old Compton Street, the heart of the UK capital’s gay community, will stop serving at 7pm on Monday and people will be invited out on to the street in solidarity with the LGBT community and the people of Orlando. Rainbow flags in Manchester’s gay village have been lowered to half mast.In London, venues along Old Compton Street, the heart of the UK capital’s gay community, will stop serving at 7pm on Monday and people will be invited out on to the street in solidarity with the LGBT community and the people of Orlando. Rainbow flags in Manchester’s gay village have been lowered to half mast.
Rainbow flags in Manchester's gay village lowered to half mast in respect for the victims of the Orlando shooting pic.twitter.com/rp1YjRtWDZRainbow flags in Manchester's gay village lowered to half mast in respect for the victims of the Orlando shooting pic.twitter.com/rp1YjRtWDZ
12.03pm BST12.03pm BST
12:0312:03
Orlando police said the next update is due in about 30 minutes. All updates besides press conferences are coming through the department’s official Twitter account, where police are fending off inaccurate reports.Orlando police said the next update is due in about 30 minutes. All updates besides press conferences are coming through the department’s official Twitter account, where police are fending off inaccurate reports.
Press conference is scheduled for 7:30 am same location as yesterday.Press conference is scheduled for 7:30 am same location as yesterday.
Alert: Rumors of multiple shooters are unfounded. The one shooter, Omar Mateen, is dead #OrlandoUnitedAlert: Rumors of multiple shooters are unfounded. The one shooter, Omar Mateen, is dead #OrlandoUnited