45 People Killed in Mass Shooting at Orlando Nightclub

BREAKING NEWS:

A gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, early Sunday morning, killing at least 45 people and injuring 53 others in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

Details Emerge:

The shooting occurred at Pulse, a popular LGBTQ nightclub, at around 2:00 AM. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots fired from an assault-style weapon. Police exchanged gunfire with the suspect, later identified as Omar Mateen, who was killed in the ensuing standoff.

Authorities believe the attack was a hate crime targeting the LGBTQ community. Mateen, an Afghan-American born in New York, had pledged allegiance to ISIS in a 911 call during the shooting.

National Response:

President Obama and other elected officials have condemned the attack as "an act of terror and hate." The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism. The White House has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims.

Community in Mourning:

Orlando's LGBTQ community is reeling from the tragedy. Vigil services are being held throughout the city, and blood drives have been organized to help the injured.