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Orlando shooting: attacker appeared to be self-radicalized, says Obama – rolling updates Orlando shooting: attacker appeared to be self-radicalized, says Obama – rolling updates
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Nearly all the family of deceased victims have been notified by authorities, though a few continue to learn at the Orlando Regional Medical Center. My colleague Richard Luscombe reports from Orlando.
By early afternoon Monday, numbers at a family assistance site had dwindled as more relatives learned the fate of their loved ones.
Among them was Cesar Flores, whose New York-born daughter Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26, was confirmed among the dead.
“I forgive the murderer of my daughter, I cannot live with such great hatred,” said Flores, who is from Guatemala.
“I want you to take better care of your children, see the situation I’m going through. Be together in peace and love one another.”
In broken English, and speaking through tears, Flores said his daughter was “a great girl” who was enjoying her studies at Orlando’s Valencia Community College, but had not yet decided what she wanted to do in life.
“Mercedez, she had so many ideas, so much happening,” he said, adding that the family had moved to the central Florida city of Davenport from New York in 2012.
“She was a very happy girl all of the time, she worked hard.”
Flores also revealed that his daughter had died alongside her best friend, Amanda Alvear, 25, a nursing student who also lived in Davenport, and who was confirmed dead earlier in the day.
“They grew up together, they were best friends,” Flores said. “No words can describe the pain.”
Alvear’s brother Brian told the Orlando Sentinel that he believed his sister was among a number of victims killed as they huddled together in a bathroom stall.
In contrast to Sunday, when families of the dead and missing mingled freely with reporters at a hastily set-up reception site at a hotel close to the hospital, the families were kept apart from the media on Monday at the Beardall Senior Centre, a decision made, officials said, to afford them greater privacy.
By 2pm, only a handful of families remained inside with teams of grief counsellors and religious advisers, including representatives of the Islamic Center of Orlando.
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My colleague Elena Cresci is also on the scene in London, and taking pictures that suggest the sheer number of people out to stand in solidarity with the LGBT victims of Sunday’s attack.My colleague Elena Cresci is also on the scene in London, and taking pictures that suggest the sheer number of people out to stand in solidarity with the LGBT victims of Sunday’s attack.
Old Compton street vigil is incredible - just look at how full it is pic.twitter.com/TgkMxn52hBOld Compton street vigil is incredible - just look at how full it is pic.twitter.com/TgkMxn52hB
here's a view of the Orlando vigil at Old Compton Street from above pic.twitter.com/a12naDzEhwhere's a view of the Orlando vigil at Old Compton Street from above pic.twitter.com/a12naDzEhw
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Ben QuinnBen Quinn
In London thousands of people have gathered to hold vigil for the victims of Orlando and to stand together against bigotry and homophobit, at a moving scene in Soho, the city’s historic gay district. My colleague Ben Quinn reports. In London thousands of people have gathered to hold vigil for the victims of Orlando and to stand together against bigotry and homophobia, at a moving scene in Soho, the city’s historic gay district. My colleague Ben Quinn reports.
They came in their thousands, gay and straight, old and young, packing the heart of London’s gay community for a vigil in memory of those slain during the Orlando massacre.They came in their thousands, gay and straight, old and young, packing the heart of London’s gay community for a vigil in memory of those slain during the Orlando massacre.
In an area famed for its revelry, heads were bowed for a minute, before defiant cheers and applause greeted the release of dozens of pink balloons into the skies above Soho’s Old Compton Street. In an area famed for its revelry, heads were bowed for a minute, before defiant cheers and applause greeted the release of dozens of rainbow balloons into the skies above Soho’s Old Compton Street.
For many too, the impact of the massacre in Florida was even harded in an area which was the scene 17 years ago of the worst homophobic attack in British histort, when a nail bom blast killed three and wounded 70. For many, the impact of the massacre in Florida was even more keenly in an area which was the scene 17 years ago of the worst homophobic attack in British history, when a nail bomb blast killed three and wounded 70.
London stands with Orlando - proud to join the vigil in Soho #WeAreOrlando pic.twitter.com/Sfq3LGGVESLondon stands with Orlando - proud to join the vigil in Soho #WeAreOrlando pic.twitter.com/Sfq3LGGVES
“What happened in Florida does bring back the memories,” said Ian Davis, who was living in London at the time, as he gathered with others last night beneath rainbow flags which flew above the crowds and appeared on screens outside clubs and bars.“What happened in Florida does bring back the memories,” said Ian Davis, who was living in London at the time, as he gathered with others last night beneath rainbow flags which flew above the crowds and appeared on screens outside clubs and bars.
Did the community in Soho feel safe these days? He replied: “I think there is a lot of hatred, but there is lso a lot more acceptance than there was . On the opposite side there are obviously a few people who are full of a lot of hatred. Did the community in Soho feel safe these days? He replied: “I think there is a lot of hatred, but there is also a lot more acceptance than there was . On the opposite side there are obviously a few people who are full of a lot of hatred.
A younger generation at the vigil might have been infants at the time of the attack on Soho, but they were just as aware of its legacy.A younger generation at the vigil might have been infants at the time of the attack on Soho, but they were just as aware of its legacy.
“Obviously we had the Paris attacks and everyone was shocked by it, but because Orlando was an attack on the LGBT community it feels very personal and a lot of people feel deeply affected by it,” said Jake Johnstone, who was was wearing the pink triangle of the 1980s ‘Act Up’ movement and carrying a placard that read: ‘End Homophobia now – Stand with Orlando’. “Obviously we had the Paris attacks and everyone was shocked by it, but because Orlando was an attack on the LGBT community it feels very personal and a lot of people feel deeply affected by it,” said Jake Johnstone, who was was wearing the pink triangle of the 1980s “Act Up” movement and carrying a placard that read: “End Homophobia now – Stand with Orlando”.
Act Up triangles and solidarity in the Old Compton street crowd #Orlando pic.twitter.com/Z4hTtcVm4eAct Up triangles and solidarity in the Old Compton street crowd #Orlando pic.twitter.com/Z4hTtcVm4e
“The reason we’re here is to show solidarity with people in Florida. We’re also aware that there are people out there who have been engaging in Islamophobia . A lot of comments have been made that the blame for this is with a religion rather than homophobia and hatred.” “The reason we’re here is to show solidarity with people in Florida. We’re also aware that there are people out there who have been engaging in Islamophobia. A lot of comments have been made that the blame for this is with a religion rather than homophobia and hatred.”
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The gunman called the Boston Marathon bombers his “homeboys”, according to FBI Boston special agent in charge Harold Shaw.The gunman called the Boston Marathon bombers his “homeboys”, according to FBI Boston special agent in charge Harold Shaw.
The Boston branch has published a statement from Shaw:The Boston branch has published a statement from Shaw:
During one of the 911 calls between the operator and Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, Mateen made a reference to the Tsarnaev brothers by calling them his “homeboys”. At this point in time, all evidence collected to date shows no connection between Mateen and the Tsarnaev brothers.During one of the 911 calls between the operator and Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, Mateen made a reference to the Tsarnaev brothers by calling them his “homeboys”. At this point in time, all evidence collected to date shows no connection between Mateen and the Tsarnaev brothers.
FBI Boston is postured to assist FBI Tampa in the ongoing investigation, if requested. As is standard practice in Boston, we are sharing real-time information and intelligence with our federal, state, local and community partners. Currently, we have no specific, credible threats to our area as a result of the Orlando attack.FBI Boston is postured to assist FBI Tampa in the ongoing investigation, if requested. As is standard practice in Boston, we are sharing real-time information and intelligence with our federal, state, local and community partners. Currently, we have no specific, credible threats to our area as a result of the Orlando attack.
The gunman first claimed associations with the Tsarnaevs in 2013, the Guardian’s Spencer Ackerman reported before the FBI announcement on Monday morning. The FBI investigated and found no evidence to back his claims, made around May that year, a month after the brothers bombed the marathon, killing three and injuring 264.The gunman first claimed associations with the Tsarnaevs in 2013, the Guardian’s Spencer Ackerman reported before the FBI announcement on Monday morning. The FBI investigated and found no evidence to back his claims, made around May that year, a month after the brothers bombed the marathon, killing three and injuring 264.
Related: Orlando shooter investigated for false claim of ties to Boston Marathon bombersRelated: Orlando shooter investigated for false claim of ties to Boston Marathon bombers
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The gunman laughed as he killed people, a family friend of a clubgoer has claimed to my colleague Richard Luscombe, reporting from Orlando.The gunman laughed as he killed people, a family friend of a clubgoer has claimed to my colleague Richard Luscombe, reporting from Orlando.
Orlando gunman Omar Mateen laughed as he murdered victims hiding in a bathroom stall with an assault rifle, a pastor who is friends with one of the survivors claimed Monday.Orlando gunman Omar Mateen laughed as he murdered victims hiding in a bathroom stall with an assault rifle, a pastor who is friends with one of the survivors claimed Monday.
“He was laughing frantically,” said Deyni Ventura, “as he was spraying people with his gun.” Ventura is a pastor in nearby Sanford and a friend of the mother of the clubgoer, whom she would identify only as Norman, out of respect for the family’s privacy.“He was laughing frantically,” said Deyni Ventura, “as he was spraying people with his gun.” Ventura is a pastor in nearby Sanford and a friend of the mother of the clubgoer, whom she would identify only as Norman, out of respect for the family’s privacy.
“Norman received four gunshot wounds to his back he survived, and he should be released from the hospital today or tomorrow,” added Ventura, speaking to reporters outside the family assistance center close to the Pulse nightclub.“Norman received four gunshot wounds to his back he survived, and he should be released from the hospital today or tomorrow,” added Ventura, speaking to reporters outside the family assistance center close to the Pulse nightclub.
“He was in a bathroom stall with 30 other people, and those 30 other people are deceased. He is the only one that lived,” she added.“He was in a bathroom stall with 30 other people, and those 30 other people are deceased. He is the only one that lived,” she added.
Ventura said she spoke to Norman and his mother Vanessa at the Orlando Regional Medical Center earlier Monday, and said the 26 year old, who was at the club with friends celebrating his birthday, described the nightmare scene unfolding inside.Ventura said she spoke to Norman and his mother Vanessa at the Orlando Regional Medical Center earlier Monday, and said the 26 year old, who was at the club with friends celebrating his birthday, described the nightmare scene unfolding inside.
“When he laughed he took his gun and sprayed under the bathroom stall and on top of the bathroom stall, so then the bodies started collapsing and blood was going everywhere in the handicapped stall, 30 people squished in there getting shot,” she said. “He was laughing like he was making fun of the victims.“When he laughed he took his gun and sprayed under the bathroom stall and on top of the bathroom stall, so then the bodies started collapsing and blood was going everywhere in the handicapped stall, 30 people squished in there getting shot,” she said. “He was laughing like he was making fun of the victims.
“Then Norman had to climb over the bodies to try to climb on top. He said it was just horrific. While he was getting shot he felt the shots coming into his skin, he felt the warmth of it and he thought he was going to die.”“Then Norman had to climb over the bodies to try to climb on top. He said it was just horrific. While he was getting shot he felt the shots coming into his skin, he felt the warmth of it and he thought he was going to die.”
Ventura said when Norman, who is Puerto Rican, crawled out to safety through the a hole in the wall knocked out by police, he was faced with armed officers who began shooting around him.Ventura said when Norman, who is Puerto Rican, crawled out to safety through the a hole in the wall knocked out by police, he was faced with armed officers who began shooting around him.
“He said, ‘I’m not the shooter, I’m a victim, I’m a victim’ and he put his hands up in the air and then they went to him,” Ventura said.“He said, ‘I’m not the shooter, I’m a victim, I’m a victim’ and he put his hands up in the air and then they went to him,” Ventura said.
“He said must have some protection system, how did all the people around him die and he was the only one who survived this bathroom stall? He told his friends to leave but they were scared.“He said must have some protection system, how did all the people around him die and he was the only one who survived this bathroom stall? He told his friends to leave but they were scared.
“One of his best friends was a girl, another best friend was a male, and he had to climb over both their bodies to get to safety.”“One of his best friends was a girl, another best friend was a male, and he had to climb over both their bodies to get to safety.”
Related: Hole in wall helped free dozens held hostage during Pulse nightclub shootingRelated: Hole in wall helped free dozens held hostage during Pulse nightclub shooting
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Florida governor Rick Scott has requested an emergency declaration from Barack Obama, who promised as much yesterday during an address to the nation on the attack.Florida governor Rick Scott has requested an emergency declaration from Barack Obama, who promised as much yesterday during an address to the nation on the attack.
Yesterday’s terror attack was an attack on our state and entire nation. This morning, I have asked President Obama to declare an emergency so that the full resources of the federal government can be made available for all those impacted by this horrific massacre.Yesterday’s terror attack was an attack on our state and entire nation. This morning, I have asked President Obama to declare an emergency so that the full resources of the federal government can be made available for all those impacted by this horrific massacre.
I have remained in constant communication with federal, state and local law enforcement. I have spoken with our hospitals who are caring for those who are wounded and recovering. I have also been in contact with some of the victims’ families to let them know we are grieving with them and will be there for them every step of the way. Our state is mourning, but the Orlando community is strong. We are all coming together, and we will get through this together. I ask every American to continue to pray for our state and nation and all those affected by this attack.”I have remained in constant communication with federal, state and local law enforcement. I have spoken with our hospitals who are caring for those who are wounded and recovering. I have also been in contact with some of the victims’ families to let them know we are grieving with them and will be there for them every step of the way. Our state is mourning, but the Orlando community is strong. We are all coming together, and we will get through this together. I ask every American to continue to pray for our state and nation and all those affected by this attack.”
In a letter, Scott asked Obama for “provision of health and safety measures” and “management, control and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety”.In a letter, Scott asked Obama for “provision of health and safety measures” and “management, control and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety”.
An emergency declaration would give Florida up to $5m in initial funding.An emergency declaration would give Florida up to $5m in initial funding.
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Orlando authorities have named 12 more victims killed in Sunday’s attack. They are:Orlando authorities have named 12 more victims killed in Sunday’s attack. They are:
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What we knowWhat we know
A summary of the latest briefings on 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 briefings on the worst mass shooting in American history, perpetrated at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Authorities also provided their best assessment of the investigation so far.Authorities also provided their best assessment of the investigation so far.
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Comey details FBI's past investigations into killerComey details FBI's past investigations into killer
Comey then explains the FBI’s past investigations into Omar Mateen in 2013 and 2014.Comey then explains the FBI’s past investigations into Omar Mateen in 2013 and 2014.
He says he first came to their attention in May of 2013, when he was working as a contract security guard. “He made some statements that were inflammatory and contradictory a that concerned” his coworkers, Comey says.He says he first came to their attention in May of 2013, when he was working as a contract security guard. “He made some statements that were inflammatory and contradictory a that concerned” his coworkers, Comey says.
“First he claimed family connections to al-Qaida. then he claimed [connections] to Hezbollah, which is a Shia organization and a bitter enemy of Isil,” Comey continues.“First he claimed family connections to al-Qaida. then he claimed [connections] to Hezbollah, which is a Shia organization and a bitter enemy of Isil,” Comey continues.
Mateen also told coworkers that he hoped authorities would raid his apartment so that he could perform some kind of suicide attack.Mateen also told coworkers that he hoped authorities would raid his apartment so that he could perform some kind of suicide attack.
Mateen had also claimed links to the Tsarnaev brothers, sources told the Guardian earlier on Monday. A month before coworkers contacted police the Tsarnaevs had bombed the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring 264 others.Mateen had also claimed links to the Tsarnaev brothers, sources told the Guardian earlier on Monday. A month before coworkers contacted police the Tsarnaevs had bombed the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring 264 others.
“We attempted to determine whether he was possibly a terrorist,” Comey says, “something we do in hundreds and hundreds of [cases].”“We attempted to determine whether he was possibly a terrorist,” Comey says, “something we do in hundreds and hundreds of [cases].”
The investigation, he adds, involved introducing “confidential sources to him, recording coversations, following him, reviewing financial transciatoin,” and the like.The investigation, he adds, involved introducing “confidential sources to him, recording coversations, following him, reviewing financial transciatoin,” and the like.
“We then interviewed him twice. He admitted making the statements, but explained that he did it in anger, because he thought his coworkers were discriminating against him and teasing him because he was Muslim.”“We then interviewed him twice. He admitted making the statements, but explained that he did it in anger, because he thought his coworkers were discriminating against him and teasing him because he was Muslim.”
In July 2014 he surfaced “in an indirect way”, Comey goes on. Florida FBI agents were investigating a man who later became a suicide bomber for the Nusra front in Syria, and learned that the men knew each other “casually from attending the same mosque in central Florida”.In July 2014 he surfaced “in an indirect way”, Comey goes on. Florida FBI agents were investigating a man who later became a suicide bomber for the Nusra front in Syria, and learned that the men knew each other “casually from attending the same mosque in central Florida”.
A witness told the FBI “that he had once been concerned about the killer, because the killer had mentioned [American al-Qaida leader Anwar al-]Awlaki videos, but the witness concluded that he later got married and had a child and got a job as a security guard”, Comey says.A witness told the FBI “that he had once been concerned about the killer, because the killer had mentioned [American al-Qaida leader Anwar al-]Awlaki videos, but the witness concluded that he later got married and had a child and got a job as a security guard”, Comey says.
The FBI interviewed Mateen again, determined that he did not have substantial contact with the Nusra-linked bomber, and closed the investigation.The FBI interviewed Mateen again, determined that he did not have substantial contact with the Nusra-linked bomber, and closed the investigation.
Comey promises a thorough look back on the investigations, but adds: “I don’t see anything in reviewing our work that I think our agents should’ve done differently.”Comey promises a thorough look back on the investigations, but adds: “I don’t see anything in reviewing our work that I think our agents should’ve done differently.”
He makes three familiar pleas: not to give in to fear, to channel energy into helping your neighbors (eg donating blood), and to speak up to the FBI and police.He makes three familiar pleas: not to give in to fear, to channel energy into helping your neighbors (eg donating blood), and to speak up to the FBI and police.
“We are looking for needles in a nation-sized haystack,” he says, and “also trying to figure out which pieces of hay might become needles.”“We are looking for needles in a nation-sized haystack,” he says, and “also trying to figure out which pieces of hay might become needles.”
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FBI director: gunman pledged to jihadi groupsFBI director: gunman pledged to jihadi groups
FBI director James Comey has given a press conference at the agency’s headquarters in Washington DC.FBI director James Comey has given a press conference at the agency’s headquarters in Washington DC.
“There are strong indications of radicalization by this killer and of potential inspiration by foreign terrorist organizations,” he says. “We are spending a tremendous amount of time trying to understand this killer’s path to that night in Orlando.”“There are strong indications of radicalization by this killer and of potential inspiration by foreign terrorist organizations,” he says. “We are spending a tremendous amount of time trying to understand this killer’s path to that night in Orlando.”
He says he will avoid using the killer’s name so as not to perpetuate “some twisted notion of fame or glory” that sometimes inspires these crimes.He says he will avoid using the killer’s name so as not to perpetuate “some twisted notion of fame or glory” that sometimes inspires these crimes.
“We see no indication that this a was a plot directed from outside the United States,” he says, or that the killer was part of a larger cell, “although he declared his affinity at the time of the attack to Isil.”“We see no indication that this a was a plot directed from outside the United States,” he says, or that the killer was part of a larger cell, “although he declared his affinity at the time of the attack to Isil.”
He explains the 911 calls made by the shooter from the club. There were three different calls.He explains the 911 calls made by the shooter from the club. There were three different calls.
“He called and he hung up, called again and he spoke briefly with the disapcher, and he hung up.“He called and he hung up, called again and he spoke briefly with the disapcher, and he hung up.
Then the dispatcher called back, and they spoke again.Then the dispatcher called back, and they spoke again.
“He said he was doing this for the leader of Isil, who he named, and pledged loyalty to,” Comey says. The gunman expressed “solidarity with the bombers of the Boston Marathon, and solidarity with a man who died in a suicide bombing for al-Nusra,” a group which Comey notes is actually at odds with Isil.“He said he was doing this for the leader of Isil, who he named, and pledged loyalty to,” Comey says. The gunman expressed “solidarity with the bombers of the Boston Marathon, and solidarity with a man who died in a suicide bombing for al-Nusra,” a group which Comey notes is actually at odds with Isil.
Earlier on Monday, sources told the Guardian’s Spencer Ackerman that the killer, Omar Mateen, had first come to the FBI’s attention by claiming links with the marathon bombers in 2013.Earlier on Monday, sources told the Guardian’s Spencer Ackerman that the killer, Omar Mateen, had first come to the FBI’s attention by claiming links with the marathon bombers in 2013.
The Boston Marathon bombers were not affiliated with Isil, he also notes, “which adds a a little bit to the confusion around his motives.”The Boston Marathon bombers were not affiliated with Isil, he also notes, “which adds a a little bit to the confusion around his motives.”
Finally Comey also says the FBI is investigating “what role anti-gay bigotry may have played in this attack. Again it’s early, we’re working hard to understand the killer and his motives and his sources of information.”Finally Comey also says the FBI is investigating “what role anti-gay bigotry may have played in this attack. Again it’s early, we’re working hard to understand the killer and his motives and his sources of information.”
But he says agents are “highly confident that this killer was radicalized and at least in some part through the internet”.But he says agents are “highly confident that this killer was radicalized and at least in some part through the internet”.
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Florida senator Bill Nelson has explained a bit more about what happened to the two FBI investigations into gunman Omar Mateen, in 2013 and 2014.Florida senator Bill Nelson has explained a bit more about what happened to the two FBI investigations into gunman Omar Mateen, in 2013 and 2014.
Mateen was first investigated in 2013 after he told co-workers that he knew the Tsarnaev brothers, who bombed the Boston Marathon that spring. He was investigated in 2014 for making claims to communication with an American man who later became a suicide bomber in Syria.Mateen was first investigated in 2013 after he told co-workers that he knew the Tsarnaev brothers, who bombed the Boston Marathon that spring. He was investigated in 2014 for making claims to communication with an American man who later became a suicide bomber in Syria.
Sen. Bill Nelson on conf. call: FBI closed two investigations into Mateen because "there was no prosecutable evidence."Sen. Bill Nelson on conf. call: FBI closed two investigations into Mateen because "there was no prosecutable evidence."
FBI director James Comey is due to speak soon at a press conference at the agency’s headquarters.FBI director James Comey is due to speak soon at a press conference at the agency’s headquarters.
Related: Pulse nightclub attack: questions over how suspect on FBI's radar could buy gunsRelated: Pulse nightclub attack: questions over how suspect on FBI's radar could buy guns
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Five wounded people “remain in grave condition”, the primary hospital of Orlando has just reported.Five wounded people “remain in grave condition”, the primary hospital of Orlando has just reported.
Orlando Health, the hospital that took in most of the 53 wounded people on Sunday, has just tweeted a detailed narrative of its response Sunday.Orlando Health, the hospital that took in most of the 53 wounded people on Sunday, has just tweeted a detailed narrative of its response Sunday.
“We have had no patients die of their injuries since the initial nine who arrived Sunday morning,” the hospital wrote.“We have had no patients die of their injuries since the initial nine who arrived Sunday morning,” the hospital wrote.
“Nine patients succumbed to their injuries; most arrived with no vital signs or profoundly ill. We had six trauma surgeons in the hospital and operating within one hour of the arrival of the first patient.”“Nine patients succumbed to their injuries; most arrived with no vital signs or profoundly ill. We had six trauma surgeons in the hospital and operating within one hour of the arrival of the first patient.”
“As of this time, six patients have been discharged and 29 patients remain in the hospital. We take care of a number of critically ill patients on a daily basis, but not to this extent. We usually see six gunshot wounds at a time.”“As of this time, six patients have been discharged and 29 patients remain in the hospital. We take care of a number of critically ill patients on a daily basis, but not to this extent. We usually see six gunshot wounds at a time.”
“A number of patients currently in our care remain critically ill & in shock. Five patients remain in grave condition.”“A number of patients currently in our care remain critically ill & in shock. Five patients remain in grave condition.”
“We have experienced a huge outpouring of support. Local blood banks have over 600 units of blood on hand. Thank you, everyone.”“We have experienced a huge outpouring of support. Local blood banks have over 600 units of blood on hand. Thank you, everyone.”
Earlier on Monday police clarified that 39 people were found dead inside the nightclub, nine people died after emergency staffers had reached them or were taking them to hospitals, and two bodies were found on the street outside the club.Earlier on Monday police clarified that 39 people were found dead inside the nightclub, nine people died after emergency staffers had reached them or were taking them to hospitals, and two bodies were found on the street outside the club.
Despite 6-hour wait, donors are hanging around waiting. pic.twitter.com/TgVXWayPusDespite 6-hour wait, donors are hanging around waiting. pic.twitter.com/TgVXWayPus
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Obama: FBI gun-alert rules are 'crazy'Obama: FBI gun-alert rules are 'crazy'
Finally Obama talks at length about guns, and again says that their easy availability and terrorism are not mutually exclusive problems.Finally Obama talks at length about guns, and again says that their easy availability and terrorism are not mutually exclusive problems.
“It’s a challenge for law enforcement even to get, to get a word that somebody that they are watching has purchased a gun,” he says.“It’s a challenge for law enforcement even to get, to get a word that somebody that they are watching has purchased a gun,” he says.
“And if they do get alerted sometimes it’s hard for them to stop it. It’s crazy. It’s a problem. And we have to, I think, do some soul searching.”“And if they do get alerted sometimes it’s hard for them to stop it. It’s crazy. It’s a problem. And we have to, I think, do some soul searching.”
He adds that he is worried the country will descend into the same frozen debate about second amendment rights and terrorism. “The danger here is it ends up being the usual political debate, the NRA the gun control folks say that ‘oh, Obama doesn’t want to talk about terrorism.’ And if you talk about terrorism then people say, ‘why aren’t you talking about issues [of gun control].’”He adds that he is worried the country will descend into the same frozen debate about second amendment rights and terrorism. “The danger here is it ends up being the usual political debate, the NRA the gun control folks say that ‘oh, Obama doesn’t want to talk about terrorism.’ And if you talk about terrorism then people say, ‘why aren’t you talking about issues [of gun control].’”
“If we have self-radicalized individuals in this country, then they are going to be very difficult often times to find ahead of time,” he continues. “And how easy it is for them to obtain weapons is in some cases going to make a difference [as to whether] there are going to be attacks like this or not.“If we have self-radicalized individuals in this country, then they are going to be very difficult often times to find ahead of time,” he continues. “And how easy it is for them to obtain weapons is in some cases going to make a difference [as to whether] there are going to be attacks like this or not.
“And we make it very easy for individuals who are troubled or disturbed or want to engage in violent acts to obtain very powerful weapons, and quickly.“And we make it very easy for individuals who are troubled or disturbed or want to engage in violent acts to obtain very powerful weapons, and quickly.
“It’s a problem regardless of motivation,” he concludes. “It’s a problem [when] a young man who walked into a church in South Carolina and murdered nine people who offered to pray with him. It’s a problem when an angry young man on a college campus decides to shoot people because he feels like he’s disrespected. It’s certainly a problem when you have organizations like Isil or al-Qaida trying to actively promote violence.”“It’s a problem regardless of motivation,” he concludes. “It’s a problem [when] a young man who walked into a church in South Carolina and murdered nine people who offered to pray with him. It’s a problem when an angry young man on a college campus decides to shoot people because he feels like he’s disrespected. It’s certainly a problem when you have organizations like Isil or al-Qaida trying to actively promote violence.”
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Obama once again offers his condolences and support for the victims and their families and loved ones.Obama once again offers his condolences and support for the victims and their families and loved ones.
He’s asked again about terrorism, and answers by saying that the question of guns and terror need to be taken on together.He’s asked again about terrorism, and answers by saying that the question of guns and terror need to be taken on together.
At the end of the day this is something that we are going to have to grapple with, making sure that even as we go after Isil and other extremist organizations overseas, even as we go after their leadership, and hit their infrastructure, take key personnel off the field, even as we disrupt external plots, [we have to confront] this kind of propaganda, and the perversions of Islam that we see generated on the internet, and the capacity of that to seep into the minds of troubled individuals.At the end of the day this is something that we are going to have to grapple with, making sure that even as we go after Isil and other extremist organizations overseas, even as we go after their leadership, and hit their infrastructure, take key personnel off the field, even as we disrupt external plots, [we have to confront] this kind of propaganda, and the perversions of Islam that we see generated on the internet, and the capacity of that to seep into the minds of troubled individuals.
“Countering this extremist ideology is increasingly important as disruptive more intensive plots,” he adds. He says that the Orlando shooting “appears to be similar to what we saw in San Bernardino, but we don’t yet know.”“Countering this extremist ideology is increasingly important as disruptive more intensive plots,” he adds. He says that the Orlando shooting “appears to be similar to what we saw in San Bernardino, but we don’t yet know.”
“We have to make sure it is not easy for someone who decides they want to harm people in this country to get weapons.”“We have to make sure it is not easy for someone who decides they want to harm people in this country to get weapons.”
He cautions that in the case of Omar Mateen, “we don’t yet know the motivations,” before drawing the link between jihadi ideology and homophobia and intolerance.He cautions that in the case of Omar Mateen, “we don’t yet know the motivations,” before drawing the link between jihadi ideology and homophobia and intolerance.
He says “radical nihilistic organizations” like Isil and al-Qaida “have perverted Islam” and target gay and lesbian people while also condoning slavery and rape of women.He says “radical nihilistic organizations” like Isil and al-Qaida “have perverted Islam” and target gay and lesbian people while also condoning slavery and rape of women.
“So there clearly are connections between the attitudes of an organization like this and their attitudes toward tolerance and pluralism and the belief that all people are treated equally regardless of sexual orientation.”“So there clearly are connections between the attitudes of an organization like this and their attitudes toward tolerance and pluralism and the belief that all people are treated equally regardless of sexual orientation.”
“I’m sure we will find that there are connections regardless of the particular motivations of this killer, there are connections between this vicious bankrupt ideology and general attitudes towards gays and lesbians. and unfortunately that is something that the LGBT community is subject to not just by Isil but by a lot of groups that purport to speak on behalf of God around the world.“I’m sure we will find that there are connections regardless of the particular motivations of this killer, there are connections between this vicious bankrupt ideology and general attitudes towards gays and lesbians. and unfortunately that is something that the LGBT community is subject to not just by Isil but by a lot of groups that purport to speak on behalf of God around the world.
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Obama: shooter appears to have self-radicalized on internetObama: shooter appears to have self-radicalized on internet
President Barack Obama has said that “it appears that the shooter was inspired by various extremist information that was being distributed on the internet.”President Barack Obama has said that “it appears that the shooter was inspired by various extremist information that was being distributed on the internet.”
Speaking from the White House, he says here is no clear evidence that the gunman, Omar Mateen, was directed through someone else and “no direct evidence that he was part of a larger plot”.Speaking from the White House, he says here is no clear evidence that the gunman, Omar Mateen, was directed through someone else and “no direct evidence that he was part of a larger plot”.
The FBI followed the “procedures that they were supposed to” in their handling of investigations in 2013 and 2014, he says, and the agency is now looking at all possible motivations of the killer.The FBI followed the “procedures that they were supposed to” in their handling of investigations in 2013 and 2014, he says, and the agency is now looking at all possible motivations of the killer.
Based on press conferences and interviews with Mateen’s ex-wife and father, motivations as varied as sympathies for jihadi groups to homophobia to emotional disturbances are under consideration.Based on press conferences and interviews with Mateen’s ex-wife and father, motivations as varied as sympathies for jihadi groups to homophobia to emotional disturbances are under consideration.
“It does appear that he had in the last minute announced his allegiance to Isil but there is no evidence so far that this attack was directed,” he says.“It does appear that he had in the last minute announced his allegiance to Isil but there is no evidence so far that this attack was directed,” he says.
“It also appears that he was able to obtain these weapons legally because he did not have a criminal record which in some ways would prohibit him from purchasing those weapons,” the president continues.“It also appears that he was able to obtain these weapons legally because he did not have a criminal record which in some ways would prohibit him from purchasing those weapons,” the president continues.
“It appears that one of those weapons he was just able to carry out of that store: an assault rifle, a handgun, a Glock, which had a lot of clips in it, which he was apparently required to wait for three days.”“It appears that one of those weapons he was just able to carry out of that store: an assault rifle, a handgun, a Glock, which had a lot of clips in it, which he was apparently required to wait for three days.”
“It was not difficult for him to obtain these kinds of weapons,” he says.“It was not difficult for him to obtain these kinds of weapons,” he says.
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