Orlando gunman's father says son was angry over two men kissing
Sun. June 12, 2016 12:34 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
omar mateen
photo credit // facebook
The father of Omar Mateen, the gunman accused of killing more than 50 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, said that his son didn't like it when he saw two men kissing.
Mir Seddique, Mateen's father, told NBC News that his son got angry when he saw two men kissing in Miami a couple of months ago and thinks that may be related to the shooting. Seddique said, "this has nothing to do with religion."
Mateen, 29, was identified by several law enforcement sources as the shooter who opened fire inside Pulse Nigthclub in downtown Orlando early Sunday morning killing as many as 50 people and wounding 53 others in what authorities have classified as an "act of terrorism."
According to authorities, an officer working at Pulse nightclub in downtown Orlando responded to a shots fired just after 2 a.m. outside the club. As officers engaged the suspect in a gun battle, the gunman ran into the club and the incident turned into a hostage situation. SWAT teams responded to the scene.
"Everyone get out of pulse and keep running," the club posted on its official Facebook page at 2:09 a.m., shortly after the violence began. Just before 6 a.m., the club posted an update: "As soon as we have any information we will update everyone. Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love."
Mateen was killed in the gunfire. The Daily Beast reports that Mateen had been investigated twice by the FBI before the Orlando shootings.
The shooting comes during a series of national celebrations and parades that mark LGBT pride month, including Los Angeles Pride and Milwaukee Pride Fest this weekend.
Related: Boystown Chicago reacts to Orlando nightclub shooting
Mir Seddique, Mateen's father, told NBC News that his son got angry when he saw two men kissing in Miami a couple of months ago and thinks that may be related to the shooting. Seddique said, "this has nothing to do with religion."
Mateen, 29, was identified by several law enforcement sources as the shooter who opened fire inside Pulse Nigthclub in downtown Orlando early Sunday morning killing as many as 50 people and wounding 53 others in what authorities have classified as an "act of terrorism."
According to authorities, an officer working at Pulse nightclub in downtown Orlando responded to a shots fired just after 2 a.m. outside the club. As officers engaged the suspect in a gun battle, the gunman ran into the club and the incident turned into a hostage situation. SWAT teams responded to the scene.
"Everyone get out of pulse and keep running," the club posted on its official Facebook page at 2:09 a.m., shortly after the violence began. Just before 6 a.m., the club posted an update: "As soon as we have any information we will update everyone. Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love."
Mateen was killed in the gunfire. The Daily Beast reports that Mateen had been investigated twice by the FBI before the Orlando shootings.
The shooting comes during a series of national celebrations and parades that mark LGBT pride month, including Los Angeles Pride and Milwaukee Pride Fest this weekend.
Related: Boystown Chicago reacts to Orlando nightclub shooting