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Orlando In State Of Emergency After Nightclub Shooting Is The Worst Mass Shooting In US History

Orlando In State Of Emergency After Nightclub Shooting Is The Worst Mass Shooting In US History

At least 50 people dead.

Mark McGowan

Mark McGowan

The attack on Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, which is being investigated by police as an act of terrorism, is the worst mass shooting in US history.

The shooting took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, and Florida authorities have now declared a state of emergency.

Originally, 20 deaths and 42 serious injuries were reported, but now it is believed that at least 50 people were killed, and 53 have been left injured.

Dyer, Orlando's mayor, announced the state of emergency in a statement.

The mayor said in the statement: "We are dealing with something we never imagined.

"Because of the scale I have called Governor Scott to request a state of emergency and we are issuing a state of emergency in the City."

The shooter has now been revealed as 30-year-old Omar Mateen, who police are saying was 'organised and well-prepared'. The FBI have also said he has 'leanings' towards extremism and Islamic State.

Dyer tweeted the number for a hotline that has been set up for concerned family members.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events of last night.

OneBlood has also put out a call for blood donations in the wake of the attacks. Anyone in the Orlando area willing to donate should contact oneblood.org or call 1.888.9Donate.

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