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Washington Post reported that Mateen called 911 and pledged allegiance to ISIS. The father said he does not believe the motivation was based on his religious beliefs. "And then we were in the men's bathroom and men were kissing each other." He said his son was very upset, and said maybe this is why he went after a gay club. "In front of my son they are doing that," the son reportedly told his father. MSNBC reported that Mateen's father said his son made angry comments after seeing two men kissing in downtown Miami recently. The big annual Gay Days in Orlando, when tens of thousands of LGBTs come to the city for special events at theme parks such as Walt Disney World and at clubs, had just ended June 6.
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The night was reportedly Latin Night at the bar.
GAY BAR SHOOTING IN FLORIDA FULL
The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub it is a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds, and to advocate for their civil rights." His full statement is listed below.Īccording to its website, Pulsewhich has three areas: The Lounge, Ultra Bar and The Adonis Roomhas been open since 2004. The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live. In a statement, President Obama said, "This is an especially heartbreaking day for all our friendsour fellow Americanswho are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. "It appears he was organized and well-prepared," the chief said, adding that the shooter had an assault-type weapon, a handgun and "some type of device on him." At least 11 officers were involved in the shootout, Mina said. Police shot and killed the Orlando gunman, identified as Omar Siddiqui Mateen, Orlando Police Chief John Mina told reporters. A gay man who had been thrown out of the bar earlier that day was the suspect, but he was never charged. Thirty-two people died as a result of the fire or smoke inhalation. The previous largest mass killing targeting LGBTs occurred June 24, 1973, in New Orleans, at a fire set at the UpStairs Lounge, where many members of the Metropolitan Community Church were gathered. More than 50 people are also reported as injured, and the gunman also died. history, at least 49 people were killed, on June 12, when a gunman opened fire at an Orlando, Florida, LGBT nightclub, Pulse. In what has now become the largest mass shooting in U.S.