The suspected Islamic extremist has been identified as US citizen Omar Mateen, from Port St. Lucie in Florida.
The gunman, who was born to Afghan parents, was carrying a suspicious device, possibly a suicide vest, when he opened fire on the dance floor inside Pulse in the early hours of this morning.Mailonline reports.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said authorities have not determined the exact number of people killed, but that ‘approximately 20’ have died. Another 42 people were taken to hospital.According to witnesses,the lone gunmen began firing inside the Pulse Club in Orlando shortly after 2am.
The club was packed with revellers enjoying a night out when the gunmen opened fire.
Police say about 42 people were also injured during the attack.
An FBI spokesman said the mass shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism, adding that they are looking into whether this was an act of domestic or international terror, and if the shooter was a lone wolf.
Police said the gunman, who was shot dead by officers, was believed to be in his 20s, while the FBI believe he may have ‘leanings to radical Islamic terrorism’.
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