Officials talk preparedness after Orlando massacre

By DINA ARÉVALO
Port Isabel-South Padre Press
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com

Horror erupted in Orlando, Florida this week as a gunman opened fire inside a popular gay nightclub called Pulse as its patrons celebrated a Latin theme night.

The gunman, who had reportedly frequented the nightclub in the past, and who allegedly used several gay dating sites, killed 49 people and injured another 53 during a three-hour-long killing spree and hostage situation before being killed in a gunfight with SWAT officers.

Facts which have emerged in the aftermath of the massacre show that the gunman made several statements via social media claiming to have carried out the deadly attack in support of the Islamic State. The gunman’s current wife was also reportedly aware of his plans to carry out the mass murder.

Federal officials have labeled the attack, which now has the grim reputation of being the single deadliest mass shooting in American history, as both a hate crime and a terrorist attack.

The United States has the unique distinction of experiencing the highest number of mass shootings in the world. According to the Gun Violence Archive, 136 mass shootings have occurred just this year alone. The Gun Violence Archive defines a mass shooting as one in which at least four people are killed.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the Port Isabel-South Padre Press, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2016/06/17/officials-talk-preparedness-after-orlando-massacre/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.