ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police said at least 50 people were killed and 53 more were injured when a gunman opened fire inside a gay nightclub early Sunday morning.
The tragedy inside Pulse nightclub is being classified the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
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The gunman has been identified as Omar Mateen, of Port St. Lucie, Fla. Mateen is believed to have been 29 years old. He was among the dead. NBC News spoke to Mateen's father, who said this had nothing to do with religion.
However, the FBI would not confirm an identification while they conduct an investigation.
During a media briefing about 10:30 a.m. Sunday, authorities said the shooter used an assault rifle and acted quickly. This did become a hostage situation, police said.
Police said a handgun and an AR-15 assault rifle were recovered from the suspect's body. There is no indication that he was working with any other suspects, police said.
The FBI would not call this a hate crime or a terrorism incident while they continue to investigate.
Officer shot in helmet
Police said one officer who was responding to the shooting was struck by a round fired from the suspect. The bullet struck his Kevlar helmet and the officer suffered injuries to his head, said Orlando Police Chief John Mina.
Worst mass shooting in US history
Mina said this can be considered the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
They were all shaken by this incident, by what they saw inside the club," Mina said about his officers. "This kind of tragedy takes a toll on everyone."
Stay with ClickOnDetroit for more information as it becomes available.