Florida Department of Law Enforcement to assist in Orlando mass shooting investigation
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been called in to assist a Sunday morning mass shooting at a gay nightclub that left at least 20 people dead, which the agency and state lawmakers are calling an act of terrorism.
Early Sunday morning, Orlando Police was called to Pulse nightclub after the agency received reports of gunfire inside. Police at the South Orange Avenue location got into a shootout with the suspect, which led to his death. At least 42 people were taken to hospitals for treatment, OPD Chief John Mina said.
Gov. Rick Scott released a statement Sunday morning in response to a mass shooting at a gay Orlando nightclub that left about 20 people dead.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and all those affected by this horrific tragedy,” he said. “We are a strong and resilient state and we will devote every resource available to assist with the shooting in Orlando.”
Scott’s statement pointed to the state emergency operations center, saying it is “also monitoring this tragic incident.” Scott is currently on his way to Orlando.
“I have been in constant communication with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and state and local law enforcement this morning,” Scott said.
The incident occurred a short distance from the professional office of Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, where TV stations are reporting live.
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On Twitter, state Rep. Neil Combee, a Republican from nearby Polk County, said the incident was inevitable.
“It was just a matter of time,” Combee wrote, also suggesting the incident was an act of terrorism.
FDLE spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said her agency was called in to investigate the officer-involved shooting where a Kevlar helmet worn by a member of OPD was struck by a bullet. FDLE agents also were dispatched to the scene to assist in the overall investigation.
“There are indications of terrorism,” Plessinger said, adding that the agency has not classified it as domestic or international terrorism yet.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen is in contact with his agency’s regional chiefs, Plessinger said. He is currently on his way to Orlando and was not able to immediately comment.
.@FLGovScott: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and all those affected by this horrific tragedy' @ndn@USATODAY (1/5)
— Arek Sarkissian (@ArekSarkissian) June 12, 2016
.@FLGovScott: 'We are a strong and resilient state and we will devote every resource available to assist with the shooting in Orlando.'
— Arek Sarkissian (@ArekSarkissian) June 12, 2016