Orlando Nightclub Shooting: NYPD Stepping Up Patrols at LGBT Facilities

The gunman who opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando where at least 50 people have died and dozens others injured was identified by the FBI as Omar Saddiqui Mateen, a U.S. citizen who was born in New York to Afghan parents, officials said. 

Mateen, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, was killed by law enforcement in an exchange of gunfire. An officer initially responded to a shots fired call at the club where he engaged the shooter outside the club. The man ran back inside Pulse, shot many of those in the bar, and a hostage situation began.

Following the shooting, the NYPD said there are no current threats to New York City. However, NYPD counterterrorism units have deployed additional resources across the city, especially at LGBT facilities. 

“We’ve selected locations in the downtown area like the Stonewall and the vicinity,” said James Waters, the NYPD’s head of counter-terrorism operations. “We will be moving from place to place and moving our resources around.”

In MySpace photos posted online, Mateek is seen wearing an NYPD shirt. NYPD Chief of Department James O’Neill said he had no connections with the NYPD and he could have obtained the shirts from anywhere in the United States. 

Mayor Bill de Blasio has ordered all flags in the city to be flown at half-staff. In addition, City Hall and the lights on the One World Trade center's spire will be lit in rainbow colors to represent LGBT pride. The Empire State Building will stay dark.

Vigils have been planned across the city to remember the victims including a rally at the Stonewall Bar that will take place at 6 p.m. Patch will be in attendance at the rally. 

A separate vigil is planned at the inn Monday evening. 

Click here for a link of other vigils planned in the city, courtesy Gay City News. 

Mateen reportedly called 911 before the shooting and pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State. He had been interviewed by FBI officials in the past for possible links to Islamic extremism but no conclusive evidence was found.

The shooting took place during Pride Month at Pulse Orlando Night Club & Ultra Lounge. Pulse was founded in 2004 by Barbara Poma and Ron Legler. Poma opened the club in honor of her brother John, who died in 1991 after battling HIV for several years, according to the club website. Pulse works with a wide variety of organizations to raise awareness for HIV.

Image of police stationed outside Stonewall Inn taken by John Santore, Image of Omar Mateek via Orlando PD