CBS/AP June 12, 2016, 4:41 AM
"Around 20" dead in "domestic terror incident" at gay barLast Updated Jun 12, 2016 7:36 AM EDT
ORLANDO, Fla. - A shooting and hostage situation early Sunday morning at a Florida nightclub -- which describes itself as "Orlando's hottest gay bar" -- left multiple people dead, including the gunman, officials say.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said "many lives were lost and many more individuals were impacted by witnessing" the shootout and hostage situation.
Orlando Police chief John Mina said
"around 20" people are believed dead inside the nightclub, although he and others were hesitant to provide firm numbers as the situation was still being assessed early Sunday morning.
Witnesses tell CBS affiliate WKMG as well as other local news outlets that there are numerous fatalities. Police have so far only confirmed that the gunman is dead.
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings described the situation as a "domestic terror incident," although he and other officials insisted there was no ongoing threat.
Mina said the incident at Pulse nightclub began around 2:20 a.m., when shots rang out and an officer already posted at the event engaged the gunman, whom Mina said was armed with an assault rifle, a handgun, and a "device" of some kind that officials believed was a threat.
Pulse Orlando posted on its own Facebook page around 2 a.m.: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running." 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."
After the officer already there engaged the gunman, other law enforcement agencies and officials responded, and the gunman retreated into the nightclub and began a "hostage situation," Mina said.
SWAT officer eventually made the decision to attempt to rescue the hostages, and entered the club, where nine officers were involved in the fatal shooting of the gunman, Mina said. One officer was injured, and Mina said he believes the officer's life was probably saved by his Kevlar helmet. ...
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