About 50 dead, 53 injured in a gay nightclub Orlando attack

Orlando police officers direct family members away from a multiple shooting at
 a nightclub on Sunday. PHOTO: PHELEN M. EBENHACK/ASSOCIATED PRESS

An estimated 50 people were killed at a gay nightclub after a heavily armed gunman seized hostages early Sunday, prompting a police SWAT team to storm the venue, officials said.

“Unfortunately there are people who died from gunshot wounds, maybe around 50, inside the night club,” FBI special agent Ron Harper told a media briefing.
He said around 53 injured were taken to three area hospitals.

“This did turn into a hostage situation,” Orlando police chief John Mina said. “At approximately 0500 hours (0900 GMT) this morning, the decision was made to rescue hostages that were in there.” It was unclear whether all the victims were killed by the gunman or if some died in the ensuing shootout with police.