A gunman opened fire at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, around 2 a.m. Sunday (June 12th). According to officials, it became a hostage situation leaving 50 people dead and 53 injured. The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Omar Mateen of Ft. Pierce, Florida. Mateen used an AR-15 type rifle and handgun in what is being investigated as an “act of terror”. The suspect was shot and killed by police on the scene.

According to officials via CNN, “Mateen called 911 around the time of the attack to pledge allegiance to ISIS and mention the Boston bombers”. The shooting has been added to the list of America’s deadliest shootings, which includes; Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook mass shootings. The Pulse shooting is now the “worst mass shooting in the history of the U.S.”

It’s very unfortunate these shootings are becoming a reoccurring thing, and it’s causing a lot of people to rethink the current gun laws in the States.  

"We know enough to say this was an act of terror and act of hate," President Obama said as he addressed the nation from the White House. The American flag at the White House has been lowered to half-staff in honor of the lives lost during the mass shooting.

Blood donations are also needed if you are located in Central Florida. You can go to https://www.oneblood.org/ to find a facility to give blood in your area. Equality Florida, the state's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization has set-up a GoFundMe account for the victims here, if you would like to send monetary donations.

Omar Mateen Pulse Night Club Orlando, Florida

photo left to right  ( PIC1: identified gunman Omar Mateen, PIC 2: police around premises of Pulse Night Club)

Pulse Night Club Orlando FloridaPulse Night Club

Photo via: Getty Images