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Orlando shooting: relatives of those missing wait for news – live Orlando shooting: relatives of those missing wait for news – live
(35 minutes later)
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Related: Orlando terror attack front pages – in pictures
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Richard Luscombe
Richard Luscombe spoke with shooting survivors in Orlando about the scene inside Pulse on Sunday.
“You’re sitting there having a great time at a club and you hear what sounds like fireworks and balloons popping, and you assume it’s part of the show,” one clubgoer who escaped the carnage told reporters.
“And then you hear people start screaming, the sound doesn’t stop and people start falling, you realise it’s not a show any more. People were screaming and falling and the shots wouldn’t stop. You realise it’s not the celebration you thought it was.”
Many other survivors, such as Carson Wells, Christopher Hansen and Luis Burbano, were also all slow to comprehend what the sounds meant, or the horror that was already beginning to unfold all around them.
Wells, who was partying with a group of friends in a back room at the club when Mateen burst in, said: “It felt like it was part of the DJ mix that was playing, just part of the music.
“When I realised it wasn’t I just ran out of the back. I didn’t look back.” He said three of his friends were hit by bullets but none suffered life-threatening injuries.
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As vigils for the victims were held across the globe, LGBT people rallied online with #GaysBreaktheInternet.
I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. No matter what anyone thinks of me #GaysBreakTheInternet pic.twitter.com/fs122qZ3Kt
#gaysbreaktheinternet violence will not silence us to share our love❤️💛💚💙💜 pic.twitter.com/nMtnvvgH26
#GaysBreakTheInternet You got my front I got your back 😍 pic.twitter.com/I5IYiW64T1
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The Guardian’s published an editorial on the Orlando attack:The Guardian’s published an editorial on the Orlando attack:
The awful truth is that American society is vulnerable to these attacks in a way that others are not because of its belief that freedom requires easy, widespread access to lethal weapons. While it is true that guns don’t kill people, as the slogan has it, people with guns do kill people, and they do so much more quickly and effectively than people without guns can manage.The awful truth is that American society is vulnerable to these attacks in a way that others are not because of its belief that freedom requires easy, widespread access to lethal weapons. While it is true that guns don’t kill people, as the slogan has it, people with guns do kill people, and they do so much more quickly and effectively than people without guns can manage.
There have been 43 mass shootings in the US in the past 10 years, those in which more than four people were killed in a public space. Very few of them had recognisable ideological causes. Some occurred in states, such as Florida, where it is legal for almost anyone who applies for a licence to walk around with concealed, lethal weapons – something which does not in practice save anyone’s life if bullets start flying, but which is felt as a reassurance until they do.There have been 43 mass shootings in the US in the past 10 years, those in which more than four people were killed in a public space. Very few of them had recognisable ideological causes. Some occurred in states, such as Florida, where it is legal for almost anyone who applies for a licence to walk around with concealed, lethal weapons – something which does not in practice save anyone’s life if bullets start flying, but which is felt as a reassurance until they do.
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Paris’s official Twitter account posted a tribute to Orlando on Sunday night. The Florida shooting drew immediate comparisons to the killing of 89 people in Paris’s Bataclan theatre in December.Paris’s official Twitter account posted a tribute to Orlando on Sunday night. The Florida shooting drew immediate comparisons to the killing of 89 people in Paris’s Bataclan theatre in December.
Paris stands with #Orlando, we are thinking of you #lovewins pic.twitter.com/uYJrSRW0ObParis stands with #Orlando, we are thinking of you #lovewins pic.twitter.com/uYJrSRW0Ob
France’s national football team posted the same tribute on Monday morning.France’s national football team posted the same tribute on Monday morning.
Le football est parfois peu de choses. Pensées pour #Orlando Together we stand. #USA pic.twitter.com/3zu74faqAqLe football est parfois peu de choses. Pensées pour #Orlando Together we stand. #USA pic.twitter.com/3zu74faqAq
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Questions have been raised about how a man who the FBI investigated twice for suspected sympathies with terrorists could be able to purchase a gun. The shooter, Omar Mateen, legally purchased an assault rifle and handgun in the week before the shooting, which left 50 people dead and 53 injured.Questions have been raised about how a man who the FBI investigated twice for suspected sympathies with terrorists could be able to purchase a gun. The shooter, Omar Mateen, legally purchased an assault rifle and handgun in the week before the shooting, which left 50 people dead and 53 injured.
The Guardian’s Ed Pilkington and Richard Luscombe report from Orlando:The Guardian’s Ed Pilkington and Richard Luscombe report from Orlando:
Sunday’s attack was launched by Mateen using a .223-caliber assault rifle and 9mm semi-automatic pistol with multiple rounds of ammunition that had been purchased quite lawfully in the week before the rampage using Mateen’s firearms license.Sunday’s attack was launched by Mateen using a .223-caliber assault rifle and 9mm semi-automatic pistol with multiple rounds of ammunition that had been purchased quite lawfully in the week before the rampage using Mateen’s firearms license.
He also held a permit to work as a security guard, which he did at a courthouse in Port St Lucie, Florida, even though he was interviewed three times by the FBI in 2013 and 2014 following separate reports of extremist behavior and connections to terrorism that were in the end deemed insubstantial.He also held a permit to work as a security guard, which he did at a courthouse in Port St Lucie, Florida, even though he was interviewed three times by the FBI in 2013 and 2014 following separate reports of extremist behavior and connections to terrorism that were in the end deemed insubstantial.
The revelation that the bloodiest mass shooting in history had been carried out by an American-born individual on the FBI’s radar is likely to reignite the debate over the country’s lax gun laws with regard to people under investigation for terrorism.The revelation that the bloodiest mass shooting in history had been carried out by an American-born individual on the FBI’s radar is likely to reignite the debate over the country’s lax gun laws with regard to people under investigation for terrorism.
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The Orlando Sentinel’s front-page editorial on the shooting describes how the city has always been a target for terrorism because it is a popular tourist destination, but on Sunday, Orlando’s “worst fears have been realized”:The Orlando Sentinel’s front-page editorial on the shooting describes how the city has always been a target for terrorism because it is a popular tourist destination, but on Sunday, Orlando’s “worst fears have been realized”:
We will not — we must not — let Sunday’s heinous act of brutality and cowardice define our community.We will not — we must not — let Sunday’s heinous act of brutality and cowardice define our community.
As terror has struck other cities around the world in recent months — Paris, Brussels, San Bernardino — our shock and anger have been mixed with a growing sense of unease. Orlando, as one of the world’s most popular and iconic destinations for travelers, and a community that proudly cherishes its diversity, has long been considered a high-value target for would-be terrorists.As terror has struck other cities around the world in recent months — Paris, Brussels, San Bernardino — our shock and anger have been mixed with a growing sense of unease. Orlando, as one of the world’s most popular and iconic destinations for travelers, and a community that proudly cherishes its diversity, has long been considered a high-value target for would-be terrorists.
The @orlandosentinel's front page tomorrow: #OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/ZqS9jiOqAGThe @orlandosentinel's front page tomorrow: #OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/ZqS9jiOqAG
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The Orlando Sentinel’s NBA reporter, Josh Robbins, said the basketball league will hold a moment of silence in recognition of the shooting at the fifth game of the NBA championships on Monday night in Oakland, California.The Orlando Sentinel’s NBA reporter, Josh Robbins, said the basketball league will hold a moment of silence in recognition of the shooting at the fifth game of the NBA championships on Monday night in Oakland, California.
The NBA will hold a moment of silence in recognition of the #Orlando tragedy before Game 5 of The Finals, a league spokesman said.The NBA will hold a moment of silence in recognition of the #Orlando tragedy before Game 5 of The Finals, a league spokesman said.
Meanwhile, congressman Jim Himes, a Democrat from Connecticut, said he would not attend another “moment of silence” for shooting victims because of his outrage over weak gun control laws in the US.Meanwhile, congressman Jim Himes, a Democrat from Connecticut, said he would not attend another “moment of silence” for shooting victims because of his outrage over weak gun control laws in the US.
I will not attend one more"Moment of Silence" on the Floor. Our silence does not honor the victims, it mocks them. pic.twitter.com/VWWdOkliWNI will not attend one more"Moment of Silence" on the Floor. Our silence does not honor the victims, it mocks them. pic.twitter.com/VWWdOkliWN
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More names added to victims listMore names added to victims list
Orlando police have updated the victims list with six new names:Orlando police have updated the victims list with six new names:
The 15 victims named previously are: Edward Sotomayor Jr, 34; Stanley Almodovar III, 23; Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20; Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22; Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36; Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22; Luis S. Vielma, 22; Kimberly Morris, 37; Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30; Darryl Roman Burt II, 29; Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32; Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21; Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25; Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35; Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50.The 15 victims named previously are: Edward Sotomayor Jr, 34; Stanley Almodovar III, 23; Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20; Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22; Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36; Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22; Luis S. Vielma, 22; Kimberly Morris, 37; Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30; Darryl Roman Burt II, 29; Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32; Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21; Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25; Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35; Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50.
UpdatedUpdated
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You can share photos, videos or stories of vigils and reaction where you are by clicking on the blue GuardianWitness contribute button at the top of this blog.You can share photos, videos or stories of vigils and reaction where you are by clicking on the blue GuardianWitness contribute button at the top of this blog.
Candlelight vigil in SF turned into a march to City HallCandlelight vigil in SF turned into a march to City Hall
Sent via Guardian WitnessSent via Guardian Witness
By kmterryBy kmterry
13 June 2016, 7:0413 June 2016, 7:04
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Orlando gay bar, club and hotel, Parliament House, has use its famous neon sign to share a message of solidarity with Pulse nightclub.Orlando gay bar, club and hotel, Parliament House, has use its famous neon sign to share a message of solidarity with Pulse nightclub.
Orlando pic.twitter.com/BXfa65HoKmOrlando pic.twitter.com/BXfa65HoKm
Nearly 200 people attended a vigil at Parliament House on Sunday night.Nearly 200 people attended a vigil at Parliament House on Sunday night.
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Sean FarrellSean Farrell
Guardian business reporter, Sean Farrell, reports that shares have fallen at G4S, the employer of the Orlando nightclub shooter:Guardian business reporter, Sean Farrell, reports that shares have fallen at G4S, the employer of the Orlando nightclub shooter:
Shares of G4S, the UK security company, fell heavily on Monday after it said Omar Mateen had worked for it since 2007. G4S shares dropped as much as 6% and were the biggest fallers of the 350 biggest British companies.Shares of G4S, the UK security company, fell heavily on Monday after it said Omar Mateen had worked for it since 2007. G4S shares dropped as much as 6% and were the biggest fallers of the 350 biggest British companies.
G4S, the world’s biggest security firm, said Mateen carried a gun as part of his duties and that it was trying to establish whether any weapons used in the attack were related to his employment. The company said it had screened Mateen as recently as 2013 with “no findings”, Reuters reported.G4S, the world’s biggest security firm, said Mateen carried a gun as part of his duties and that it was trying to establish whether any weapons used in the attack were related to his employment. The company said it had screened Mateen as recently as 2013 with “no findings”, Reuters reported.
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Authorities have started to release the names of those killed at an Orlando nightclub on Sunday as next of kin are notified.Authorities have started to release the names of those killed at an Orlando nightclub on Sunday as next of kin are notified.
The Guardian’s Jessica Glenza, reporting from Orlando, has more on some of the 50 victims:The Guardian’s Jessica Glenza, reporting from Orlando, has more on some of the 50 victims:
Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22, had only told his family he was gay before the New Year, his cousin told the Associated Press.Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22, had only told his family he was gay before the New Year, his cousin told the Associated Press.
“He was never the type to go out to parties, would rather stay home and care for his niece and nephew,” his cousin Robert Guerrero said. He said Juan Ramon Guerrero was a telemarketer, and recently began attending school at the University of Central Florida. “He was always this amazing person ... he was like a big brother to me.”“He was never the type to go out to parties, would rather stay home and care for his niece and nephew,” his cousin Robert Guerrero said. He said Juan Ramon Guerrero was a telemarketer, and recently began attending school at the University of Central Florida. “He was always this amazing person ... he was like a big brother to me.”
Edward Sotomayor, 34, was a brand manager who had invited his friend Al Ferguson to the club on Sunday night. “He was super bright,” said Ferguson, owner of the Al and Chuck Travel, an agency focused on booking vacations for gay men, about his former employee, Sotomayor, according to the Orlando Sentinel.Edward Sotomayor, 34, was a brand manager who had invited his friend Al Ferguson to the club on Sunday night. “He was super bright,” said Ferguson, owner of the Al and Chuck Travel, an agency focused on booking vacations for gay men, about his former employee, Sotomayor, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Ferguson told the Sentinel that Sotomayor, knowing the perils that gay, lesbian and transgender travelers could face because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, didn’t shy away from exploring.Ferguson told the Sentinel that Sotomayor, knowing the perils that gay, lesbian and transgender travelers could face because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, didn’t shy away from exploring.
“What I will say, over and over again, was he was a person who said, ‘We cannot be afraid,’” Ferguson told the Sentinel. “I know his friends are going to be the exact same way … We are not going to be afraid.”“What I will say, over and over again, was he was a person who said, ‘We cannot be afraid,’” Ferguson told the Sentinel. “I know his friends are going to be the exact same way … We are not going to be afraid.”
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Congressman Jared Polis, a Democrat from Colorado, condemned the national regulation prohibiting sexually active gay men from donating blood. Polis is one of the only openly gay men in Congress.Congressman Jared Polis, a Democrat from Colorado, condemned the national regulation prohibiting sexually active gay men from donating blood. Polis is one of the only openly gay men in Congress.
“I’m … hopeful that we can remove the ban that the FDA has on gay people donating blood, because guess what? Many of the spouses and loved ones of the victims who need blood can’t even donate blood right now,” Polis told Denver news channel 9News. “It’s just a double tragedy that so many are facing the shortage of blood.”“I’m … hopeful that we can remove the ban that the FDA has on gay people donating blood, because guess what? Many of the spouses and loved ones of the victims who need blood can’t even donate blood right now,” Polis told Denver news channel 9News. “It’s just a double tragedy that so many are facing the shortage of blood.”
Orlando-area blood donation centers were so overwhelmed by donations on Sunday that some would-be donors were turned away and asked to return in the next few days.Orlando-area blood donation centers were so overwhelmed by donations on Sunday that some would-be donors were turned away and asked to return in the next few days.
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A day after the deadliest mass shooting in US history, relatives and friends of those caught up the attack on an LBGT nightclub in Orlando, Florida, are still waiting for news of their loved ones. Sunday’s attack on the Pulse nightclub - which left 50 people dead and 53 injured – was launched by 29-year-old Omar Mateen, who made a 911 call 20 minutes into his killing spree, in which he reportedly spoke of the Islamic State terror group and the Tsarnaevs, the brothers who carried out the Boston Marathon bombings in April 2013.A day after the deadliest mass shooting in US history, relatives and friends of those caught up the attack on an LBGT nightclub in Orlando, Florida, are still waiting for news of their loved ones. Sunday’s attack on the Pulse nightclub - which left 50 people dead and 53 injured – was launched by 29-year-old Omar Mateen, who made a 911 call 20 minutes into his killing spree, in which he reportedly spoke of the Islamic State terror group and the Tsarnaevs, the brothers who carried out the Boston Marathon bombings in April 2013.
Among other developments since the attack:Among other developments since the attack:
• Questions are mounting over why Mateen was able to legally buy an assault rifle and handgun despite having been investigated twice by the FBI for suspected terrorist sympathies.• Questions are mounting over why Mateen was able to legally buy an assault rifle and handgun despite having been investigated twice by the FBI for suspected terrorist sympathies.
• New York City’s police commissioner, Bill Bratton, fiercely criticized the National Rifle Association, the most powerful gun lobby in the country, that has campaigned to prevent people named on the US government no-fly list from being barred from purchasing guns.• New York City’s police commissioner, Bill Bratton, fiercely criticized the National Rifle Association, the most powerful gun lobby in the country, that has campaigned to prevent people named on the US government no-fly list from being barred from purchasing guns.
• Mateen’s former wife has told reporters that he was physically abusive towards her, had mental health issues and was “obviously disturbed, deeply, and traumatised”.• Mateen’s former wife has told reporters that he was physically abusive towards her, had mental health issues and was “obviously disturbed, deeply, and traumatised”.
• Barack Obama, declared the attack “an act of terror and an act of hate” as the national flag was lowered to half-mast over the White House.• Barack Obama, declared the attack “an act of terror and an act of hate” as the national flag was lowered to half-mast over the White House.
• Authorities released the first names of victims, including: The first fifteen people named were Edward Sotomayor Jr, Stanley Almodovar III, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, Luis S. Vielma, Kimberly Morris, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, Luis S. Vielma, Kimberly Morris, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 3Darryl Roman Burt II, Deonka Deidra Drayton, Alejandro Barrios Martinez, Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez.• Authorities released the first names of victims, including: The first fifteen people named were Edward Sotomayor Jr, Stanley Almodovar III, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, Luis S. Vielma, Kimberly Morris, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, Luis S. Vielma, Kimberly Morris, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 3Darryl Roman Burt II, Deonka Deidra Drayton, Alejandro Barrios Martinez, Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez.
• Mateen bought a long gun and a handgun legally in the last week, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms said. Questions have been raised over why he was allowed to buy the weapons.• Mateen bought a long gun and a handgun legally in the last week, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms said. Questions have been raised over why he was allowed to buy the weapons.
• Muslim American leaders, LGBT groups, Pope Francis and others condemned the horrific attack, and urged Americans to rally together. The FBI solicited the public for tips to aid the investigation, blood banks asked for donations around the US, and a fundraising campaign for victims’ medical bills raised $416,000. Authorities set up hotlines for information and campaigns for donations.• Muslim American leaders, LGBT groups, Pope Francis and others condemned the horrific attack, and urged Americans to rally together. The FBI solicited the public for tips to aid the investigation, blood banks asked for donations around the US, and a fundraising campaign for victims’ medical bills raised $416,000. Authorities set up hotlines for information and campaigns for donations.
• A US official told the Guardian the attack may have been a “massive hate crime”. Mateen’s father told NBC News that his son had become enraged by a gay couple kissing.• A US official told the Guardian the attack may have been a “massive hate crime”. Mateen’s father told NBC News that his son had become enraged by a gay couple kissing.