WEB DESK /
At least 50 people been in killed and another 53 injured in early Sunday’s shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida in United States. A “state of emergency” has been declared, the city’s mayor Buddy Dyer has said.
It is the worst mass shooting in recent US history. Police described it as an act of terrorism.
Officials said the killings were likely to be ideologically motivated, though there was no information that the gunman was associated with a particular group.
A gunman behind the killing has reportedly been identified as Omar Saddiqui Mateen, a U.S. citizen of Afghan descent, report VOA.
Police stormed the building, fatally shooting the suspect and rescuing club-goers trapped inside, another 53 people were wounded.
An FBI official said the mass shooting is being investigated as an “act of terrorism.”
The White House issued a statement indicating President Barack Obama has been briefed by his counterterrorism and homeland security advisor and has asked to receive regular updates.
The statement said the president ordered the federal government to provide investigators with “any assistance necessary.” It also said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims.”
On the gay club’s Facebook page, a post around 2 a.m. gave early indication of the tragedy that was unfolding.