In what looks like a preplanned murder plot, an American-born ISIS recruit, Omar Mateen, 29, of Fort Pierce, Florida has claimed the lives of 50 gays and homosexuals in a gay nightclub. This Sunday shooting marks the deadliest mass shooting in the United States history during the proclaimed National LGBT Month. According to CNN, this mass shooting is the nation's worst terror attack since 9/11.
Orlando, Florida ~ Global terrorist groups again has struck against the lives of the innocent. Omar Mateen, 29, of Fort Pierce, Florida, once interviewed by the FBI in 2013, was the shooter who pledged allegiance to ISIS and mentioned the Boston Marathon bombers during a 911 call just before the shooting broke out in the Orlando nightclub. According to the reports, Mateen was carrying an assault rifle and a pistol when he entered the Pulse Club around 2 a.m. Sunday, killing 50 people and wounding at least 53, according to law enforcement.
Mateen was killed during a three-hour standoff with S.W.A.T. with people still trapped inside of the club. Grenades and an armored vehicle were used to take down Mateen in his claim of hate on Sunday while hostages frantically messaged friends and relatives before Mateen's death. President Obama addressed the Nation from the White House stating, "We know enough to say this was an act of terror and act of hate."
Governor Cuomo has also issued a statement on the Orlando terror attack below:
“From Stonewall to marriage equality to protecting transgender individuals to the first-in-the-nation executive action to ban conversion therapy, New York has led the way in the fight for LGBT rights. In this state, we believe that no matter your race, creed, color, gender identity or expression you have the right live your life free from persecution and prejudice.
"This senseless act of terror reminds us that there are those who seek to undermine these very values and the progress we have achieved. We will not let this happen. An attack on one is an attack on all. New York joins the rest of the nation in rejecting this hate, fear and extremism and stands shoulder to shoulder with the LGBT community.
“Tonight, I am directing One World Trade Center to be lit the colors of the pride flag in a tribute to LGBT Americans and the lives that were lost. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest thoughts and prayers to those affected by this horrendous tragedy.”
Governor Cuomo has also directed New York State law enforcement to remain vigilant in the wake of this senseless attack and has increased security at high-profile locations across the state. More information can be found here.
New Yorkers are reminded to stay alert to their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity. Reports can be made to:
Counter Terrorism Center via the New York State Intelligence Center
Terrorism Tip Line at 1-866-SAFE-NYS (1-866-723-3697)
"If You See Something, Say Something"
“If You See Something, Send Something”
According to reports, Mateen, 29, was married in 2009 to an Uzbekistan woman named Sitora Yusufiy for two years ending in divorce in 2011, due to domestic abuse. Mateen worked as a security officer at G4S Secure Solutions and he was fluent in Arabic.
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