Florida shooting LIVE: 50 killed in worst mass shooting in US history

US President Barack Obama said the “horrific” mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, is an act of “terror” and an “act of hate”, as he reminded the countrymen of the easy access to firearms people enjoy in America.

(All timings in Indian Standard Time)

10.40 am, Monday: The below list of individuals includes victims who have lost their lives during the shooting at Pulse club. The list has been released by the City of Orlando and it will be updated.

Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34 years old

Stanley Almodovar III, 23 years old

Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20 years old

Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22 years old

Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36 years old

Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22 years old

Luis S. Vielma, 22 years old

Kimberly Morris, 37 years old

Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30 years old

Darryl Roman Burt II, 29 years old

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2:16: Trump tweets,

What has happened in Orlando is just the beginning. Our leadership is weak and ineffective. I called it and asked for the ban. Must be tough

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016

2:06 am: Orlando releases names of 4 victims of the nightclub shooting whose next of kin have been contacted.

01:32 am: Democrat Hillary Clinton postpones campaign rally after Orlando massacre.

12:44 am: Orlando Police Department release picture of  gunman Omar Mateen, who opened fire at the Pulse nightclub.

Suspect identified as Omar Mateen, 29. An American citizen born in New York. @FBI first became aware of him in 2013 pic.twitter.com/gt18lhTM4G

— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016

12:22 am: Donald Trump tweets,

Reporting that Orlando killer shouted “Allah hu Akbar!” as he slaughtered clubgoers. 2nd man arrested in LA with rifles near Gay parade.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016

12:21 am: Los Angeles mayor says heavily armed man arrested; told police he was going to Gay Pride Parade

12:13 am: President Barack Obama orders flags flown at half-staff to honor Orlando shooting victims

11:50 pm: Donald Trump criticises Barack Obama’s address on Orlando shooting.

Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism? If he doesn’t he should immediately resign in disgrace!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016

11:20 pm: Obama says US won’t give to fear, will stand united to protect Americans against those who threaten the country

11:26 pm: Today marks the most deadly shooting in American history, says Obama

11:30 pm:  Obama calls nightclub shooting an ‘act of terror’ and ‘act of hate’

9:10 pm: Hillary Clinton reacts to Florida shooting.

Woke up to hear the devastating news from FL. As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act. -H

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016

9:05 pm: Islamic State-linked account has posted photo purported to be Orlando nightclub shooter

8:15 pm: Gunman has been identified as Omar Mateen, US citizen of Afghan descent

8:05 pm: In the second press briefing, police informed that around 50 people have been killed in what is clearly one of the deadliest shootings in American history.

4:43 pm: 42 people were transported to area hospitals, around 300 people were present inside the club when it opened.

4:52 pm: No witness accounts of second shooter: Police

4:51 pm: Police says the gunman was prepared and organized. He is also not from the area.

4:48 pm: FBI is taking over the investigation.

4:45 pm: We are investigating whether this is an act of domestic or international terrorism, police say

4:40 pm: We will ensure that the community remains safe: Sheriff

4:10 pm: Police asks eyewitnesses to aid investigators in the case

3:55 pm: A media brief will be held at 7 am, police say.

3:15 pm: According to Ricardo J. Negron Almodovar, who claims he was at Pulse Club when the shooting took place, the shooter opened fire at around 2:00am. “People on the dance floor and bar got down on the floor and some of us who were near the bar and back exit managed to go out through the outdoor area and just ran. I am safely home and hoping everyone gets home safely as well :(” He commented on Pulse Club’s Facebook page.

3:00 pm: Several in the area around Orlando’s Pulse club heard an explosion but the police confirmed it was a controlled explosion.

That sound was a controlled explosion by law enforcement. Please avoid reporting inaccuracies at this time.

— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016

Media: This is a fluid scene and we are working on getting you an update. All info will come from here for now.

— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016

“There are injuries. I am not sure if there are any deceased at this time,” a police dispatcher told AFP, describing it as an “active shooting.”

“Officers are going in to search the building and to get people out,” the dispatcher said, outside Pulse club.

2:50 pm:

A reporter in Florida says bomb squads are walking the grounds near ORMC – Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Update: #Breaking #Orlando source tells me suspect wearing a bomb. Barricaded inside nightclub. More than 20 shot with long gun

— Stewart Moore (@Stewartmoore) June 12, 2016

WATCH VIDEO – Shooting at Florida’s Pulse club:

2:35 pm: Florida Police tweeted this as their first update, saying more media updates will be provided in due course of time

Shooting at Pulse Nightclub on S Orange. Multiple injuries. Stay away from area. pic.twitter.com/5Di2mc6XUY

— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016

The Orlando nightclub attack comes days after the fatal shooting of Voice contestant Christina Grimmie in Orlando, while she was signing autographs for fans after a show. Grimmie was a YouTube sensation. Her attacker later killed himself.

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LIVE pictures, videos from Pulse Club