A suspected Islamic extremist that was armed with an assault rifle, an explosive device an a handgun has shot at least 100 people, killing 50, after taking people hostage in an Orlando nightclub.
The shooter, now identified as Omar Sateen, opened fire in the Pulse Orlando Bar.
Orlando Police confirmed that he was involved in a gunfight with a police officer that was at the club in the street, before running back where he took hostages.
The cowardly attack unfolded after 2am when the first shots were reported, many clubbers mistaken the gunfire for music.
Officials currently believe there were 320 people inside the club.
The club posted a Facebook page: ‘Everyone get out of pulse and keep running.’
An FBI spokesperson says the mass shooting is now being investigated as an act of terrorism.
Authorities are now looking into whether this was an act of international terror, if the shooter was a long wolf gunman or if this was an act of domestic terrorism.
Police have confirmed that the man was not a local and the FBI currently believe he may ‘have leaning to Islamic terrorism.’
Eyewitnesses described the gunman having a bomb strapped to his body when the shooting began.
At least 100 police officers were involved in the hostage situation before the gunman was killed.
