Orlando Nightclub Shooting: Urgent Need for Blood Donors

Tampa Bay, FL — OneBlood is making a plea to Tampa Bay area residents in the wake of an Orlando nightclub shooting that’s left an estimated 50 people dead and dozens injured. The shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terror by the FBI and local authorities.

“There is an urgent need for O Negative, O Positive and AB Plasma blood donors following a mass shooting in Orlando,” the organization that provides blood to hospitals throughout Florida wrote in an email to media Sunday morning.

OneBlood is asking all eligible donors to donate on Sunday. To find a donation center or Big Donor Bus, potential donors can visit www.oneblood.org online or call 1-888-9DONATE.

Details in the Orlando shooting are still emerging. The shooting occurred early Sunday morning at the Pulse Orlando Night Club & Ultra Lounge.

See Also:

• Orlando Nightclub Shooting: 50 Killed In Possible Act of Terror, Officials Say

Approximately 50 people were killed, according to Orlando Police Chief John Mina. The suspect, who has not been identified, was killed by law enforcement in an exchange of gunfire. An Orlando Police Officer was shot during the exchange of bullets, but police say his Kevlar helmet saved him.

The shooting reportedly began around 2 a.m. An officer responded to a call of shots fired at the club. He first engaged the shooter outside of the club, with gunfire exchanged. The man ran back inside Pulse, and a hostage situation began.

A message on the Pulse Orlando Facebook page at 2:09 a.m. reads, "Everyone get out of Pulse and keep running."

Law enforcement raided the club at 5 a.m., rescuing approximately 30 hostages. The gunman was reportedly carrying an assault rifle, a handgun and a "device," according to Mina.

Tampa Bay area residents who wish to donate blood must be in general good health and age 16 or older. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. To find out more, visit www.oneblood.org.

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