It has been confirmed that at least 50 people have been killed and 53 injured in a shooting at a nightclub in Florida.
Orlando Police earlier tweeted that there had been a shooting in the Pulse nightclub in downtown Orlando.
Shooting at Pulse Nightclub on S Orange. Multiple injuries. Stay away from area. pic.twitter.com/5Di2mc6XUY
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
During the confusion there was an explosion heard from within the nightclub which caused many stories to circulate online.
That sound was a controlled explosion by law enforcement. Please avoid reporting inaccuracies at this time.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
It shortly became clear that lives had been lost inside the Orlando nightclub with confirmation coming from the police a short time later.
We can confirm this is a mass casualty situation. Support from local/state/federal agencies. We expect to brief media shortly.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said in a media briefing:
"This did turn into a hostage situation.
"At approximately 5am this morning, the decision was made to rescue hostages that were in there."
Confirming that the shooter was dead four hours after the incident began, the police department posted updates as the situation unfolded.
Pulse Shooting: The shooter inside the club is dead.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
It is reported that shooting began around 2am shortly before the crowded club was due to close.
Pulse nightclub posted warnings on their Facebook page telling patrons to get out of the nightclub as quickly as possible.
This is the second shooting in the city in 24 hours as singer Christina Grimmie was shot and killed at a theatre where she had just finished performing on Friday night.
. @ChiefJohnMina multiple people dead inside the club. Many casualties transported to hospitals. pic.twitter.com/0Lf69tClad
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
. @orlandomayor Our community is strong. We will need to help each other's get through this. pic.twitter.com/SizOT6xl4D
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
It had been reported that 20 people had died but the mayor later revised that number to 50.
Mayor Dyer: 50 dead in Pulse nightclub shooting. @ChiefJohnMina Suspect had handgun and AR15 type rifle.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
This staggering figure makes this the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
. @ChiefJohnMina One of the worst mass shootings in our nation's history. pic.twitter.com/OBKbnq5W0O
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
The FBI said it is treating the shooting as an "act of terrorism" and suggested the suspect may have "leanings" to Islamic extremism.
