Orlando Police have announced “around 20” people have died as a result of this morning’s attack on the city’s Pulse Nightclub.
Speaking to the media, Chief John Mina said those casualties are in addition to 42 hospitalisations. All of those victims are being treated for gunshot wounds.
Mina said there were close to 320 patrons inside the LGBTI+ friendly club at the time of the attack, at 2am local time.
One law enforcement officer was injured in the incident.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is classifying the attack as an act of domestic terrorism, but there is no known risk of attacks elsewhere.
The FBI will be leading the investigation into the incident.
Pulse Shooting: The shooter inside the club is dead.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
The confirmation came after witnesses on the scene uploaded footage showing heavy volleys of gunfire.
Gunfire exchanged at #pulse nightclub hostage situation in #Orlando. pic.twitter.com/qeF0s6Ien6
— Nic Hornstein (@nichornstein) June 12, 2016
Snapchat video: Multiple gunshots heard at #Pulse nightclub in #Orlando. Details coming: https://t.co/o7XrMw10mx pic.twitter.com/JltzSCShLS
— WESH 2 News (@WESH) June 12, 2016
We’ll update this story as it develops.
