Tampa Police Beefing Up Coverage After Orlando Shooting

Tampa, FL — As Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward and other members of the Tampa Police Department travel to Orlando in the wake of a mass shooting that’s left 50 people dead and 53 injured, the agency has announced its intentions to beef up security at local gay clubs.

“Though the Orlando mass shooting appears to be an isolated incident, Chief Ward said he and his staff have been monitoring the situation closely,” a Sunday email from the Tampa Police Department said. “There is no evidence of any threat in Tampa but given that the focus of this attack was a club that catered to the LGBT community, TPD will enhance coverage of similar clubs in Tampa.”

Law enforcement described the attack as an "act of terror" carried out by an American citizen with Muslim roots.

The shooting took place at Pulse Orlando Night Club & Ultra Lounge, a popular gay bar, where about 350 people were dancing and drinking. A state of emergency for Orange County has been declared by the City of Orlando and Florida Gov. Rick Scott.

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The suspect was killed by law enforcement in an exchange of gunfire, according to Orlando Police Chief John Mina. 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, shot many of those in the bar, and a hostage situation began. Some who were inside the club thought the gunshots were part of a music set.

Ward and “members of his staff have gone to Orlando to assist in any way they can,” the department’s email said. “Mayor Buckhorn has reached out to his friend, Mayor Buddy Dyer, to offer support.”

Ward said his agency remains vigilant. “Our message is that one that we have repeated many times: If you see something, say something, and we will do something.”

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