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Orlando shooting: relatives of those missing wait for news – latest updates Orlando shooting: relatives of those missing wait for news – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
12.47pm BST
12:47
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.
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.
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 BST
12:36
Police clarified that the 50 dead includes the gunman.
Official victim count: 49 shooting victims plus suspect. Total 50. pic.twitter.com/wkh6A83fNV
12.35pm BST
12:35
Mayor says 48 victims identified
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.
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.
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.
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12:30
Jason Burke
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.
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.
12.20pm BST
12:20
Orlando shooting victim’s mother describes son’s last texts – video
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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
11.59am BST11.59am BST
11:5911:59
Just before 5am local time in New York, an hour after the 4am closing time for the city’s bars, a local reporter said police presence outside gay clubs and businesses in the city’s Greenwich Village remained high.Just before 5am local time in New York, an hour after the 4am closing time for the city’s bars, a local reporter said police presence outside gay clubs and businesses in the city’s Greenwich Village remained high.
New York City mayor Bill de Blasio said security is also being boosted at major LGBT community centers.New York City mayor Bill de Blasio said security is also being boosted at major LGBT community centers.
Heavy #NYPD presence outside gay bars, businesses #GreenwichVillage NYC on high alert #NBC4NY pic.twitter.com/JZzqyytv3IHeavy #NYPD presence outside gay bars, businesses #GreenwichVillage NYC on high alert #NBC4NY pic.twitter.com/JZzqyytv3I
On Sunday night, Los Angeles police detained a man who was heading to the city’s LA Pride festival with a carload of weapons.On Sunday night, Los Angeles police detained a man who was heading to the city’s LA Pride festival with a carload of weapons.
11.52am BST11.52am BST
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An Orlando-based network of LGBT groups, the Zebra Coalition, said that because of the high volume of calls it has received about the shooting, it has opened a new crisis hotline for people looking to speak with a counselor.An Orlando-based network of LGBT groups, the Zebra Coalition, said that because of the high volume of calls it has received about the shooting, it has opened a new crisis hotline for people looking to speak with a counselor.
11.37am BST11.37am BST
11:3711:37
Halima KazemHalima Kazem
Halima Kazem writes for the Guardian about the gunman’s father, Seddique Mateen, who posted a video early on Monday morning to condemn his son’s actions. He also appeared to suggest it is for God to enact “punishment” against gay people.Halima Kazem writes for the Guardian about the gunman’s father, Seddique Mateen, who posted a video early on Monday morning to condemn his son’s actions. He also appeared to suggest it is for God to enact “punishment” against gay people.
Addressing the people of Afghanistan, Seddique Mateen said in the video: “I don’t know what made him [do this], I have no idea, I had no idea that he felt resentful in his heart and had gone to the gay [he uses the derogatory word hamjensbazi] club and killed men and women there.Addressing the people of Afghanistan, Seddique Mateen said in the video: “I don’t know what made him [do this], I have no idea, I had no idea that he felt resentful in his heart and had gone to the gay [he uses the derogatory word hamjensbazi] club and killed men and women there.
“I am very sad and I’ve announced this to the American people as well. Why did he do this act during this holy month of Ramadan. On the topic of beinghamjensbazi, punishment and the things that they do, God will give the punishment. This is not the issue for a follower of God and he [Omar] that did this has greatly saddened me. I wanted you to know this. God give all youth complete health to keep the real path of the holy religion of Islam in mind.”“I am very sad and I’ve announced this to the American people as well. Why did he do this act during this holy month of Ramadan. On the topic of beinghamjensbazi, punishment and the things that they do, God will give the punishment. This is not the issue for a follower of God and he [Omar] that did this has greatly saddened me. I wanted you to know this. God give all youth complete health to keep the real path of the holy religion of Islam in mind.”
11.22am BST11.22am BST
11:2211:22
Sean FarrellSean Farrell
The Guardian’s posted its latest report on G4S, the security firm that had employed Orlando shooter, Omar Mateen, since 2007:The Guardian’s posted its latest report on G4S, the security firm that had employed Orlando shooter, Omar Mateen, since 2007:
G4S shares dropped by as much as 7.5% and were the biggest fallers among leading UK shares. The company employs 620,000 people in more than 110 countries and the US is one of its biggest markets.G4S shares dropped by as much as 7.5% and were the biggest fallers among leading UK shares. The company employs 620,000 people in more than 110 countries and the US is one of its biggest markets.
Jasper Lawler, an analyst at CMC Markets, a City spread betting firm, said it did not look good for G4S to have employed Mateen while he was being investigated by the FBI.Jasper Lawler, an analyst at CMC Markets, a City spread betting firm, said it did not look good for G4S to have employed Mateen while he was being investigated by the FBI.
“G4S has more than 50,000 employees in the US, a large proportion of which are involved in government contracts. If the name of G4S starts getting dragged through the mud, US contracts may become harder to come by.”“G4S has more than 50,000 employees in the US, a large proportion of which are involved in government contracts. If the name of G4S starts getting dragged through the mud, US contracts may become harder to come by.”
The company, whose activities range from supplying bodyguards and guarding buildings to running prisons and clearing mines, has been dogged by controversy. Two years ago it agreed to repay the UK government £109m after it overcharged for the electronic tagging of offenders.The company, whose activities range from supplying bodyguards and guarding buildings to running prisons and clearing mines, has been dogged by controversy. Two years ago it agreed to repay the UK government £109m after it overcharged for the electronic tagging of offenders.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.23am BSTat 11.23am BST
11.06am BST11.06am BST
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It’s just after 6am in Orlando, where investigators have been working around the clock to piece together details on Sunday night’s shooting.It’s just after 6am in Orlando, where investigators have been working around the clock to piece together details on Sunday night’s shooting.
What we know:What we know:
• A gunman named as Omar Mateen killed 50 people and left 53 others injured, many seriously, in a 2am attack on LGBT nightclub the Pulse, in Orlando, Florida. After an hours-long standoff, police stormed the building, killed the gunman and rescued about 30 hostages.• A gunman named as Omar Mateen killed 50 people and left 53 others injured, many seriously, in a 2am attack on LGBT nightclub the Pulse, in Orlando, Florida. After an hours-long standoff, police stormed the building, killed the gunman and rescued about 30 hostages.
• Mateen legally purchased an assault rifle and handgun 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 legally purchased an assault rifle and handgun 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.
• Of the 50 people who died in the attack, 21 have been identified. According to Orlando Police, the youngest named victim was 20-years-old and the eldest was 50. More victims are expected to be identified throughout the day once next of kin have been notified.• Of the 50 people who died in the attack, 21 have been identified. According to Orlando Police, the youngest named victim was 20-years-old and the eldest was 50. More victims are expected to be identified throughout the day once next of kin have been notified.
• Survivors and the families of victims recalled horrific stories of how the attack unfolded, and many waited in fear and anticipation to learn whether their loved ones were victims.• Survivors and the families of victims recalled horrific stories of how the attack unfolded, and many waited in fear and anticipation to learn whether their loved ones were victims.
• Mateen’s ex-wife said he was “obviously disturbed” and that he beat her and held her hostage during their short marriage.• Mateen’s ex-wife said he was “obviously disturbed” and that he beat her and held her hostage during their short marriage.
• Barack Obama declared the attack “an act of terror and an act of hate”. He lamented that the shooting occurred in a place of security and celebration. “We have to decide whether that’s the kind of country we want to be.,” he said. “To actively do nothing is a decision as well.”• Barack Obama declared the attack “an act of terror and an act of hate”. He lamented that the shooting occurred in a place of security and celebration. “We have to decide whether that’s the kind of country we want to be.,” he said. “To actively do nothing is a decision as well.”
10.56am BST10.56am BST
10:5610:56
Related: Orlando terror attack front pages – in picturesRelated: Orlando terror attack front pages – in pictures
10.46am BST10.46am BST
10:4610:46
Richard LuscombeRichard Luscombe
Richard Luscombe spoke with shooting survivors in Orlando about the scene inside Pulse on Sunday.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.“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.”“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.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.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.“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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.28am BSTat 11.28am BST
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As vigils for the victims were held across the globe, LGBT people rallied online with #GaysBreaktheInternet.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/fs122qZ3KtI'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 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#GaysBreakTheInternet You got my front I got your back 😍 pic.twitter.com/I5IYiW64T1
10.23am BST10.23am BST
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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