Over 50 dead in Orlando shooting: Worst attack since September 11, 2001

In a shooting at a gay club in Orlando (Florida, USA), 50 people were killed, confirmed the mayor of Orlando, reports abcnews.go.com, as carried by Patria.

More than 50 people were injured, and this is the largest mass shooting in US history with such a high number of fatalities since the attack on New York on September 11, 2001.

The attacker was killed during a police operation. Police sources confirmed that the attacker was prepared and well-organized. The attacker entered the club at 2 a.m. and held hostages for nearly three hours before police decided to launch a rescue operation.

According to reports, the attacker had no criminal record or file, but he had two permits to carry weapons.

The police also stated that they are investigating whether the attacker, who was killed and identified as Omar Mateen from Florida, acted alone. The FBI said it is possible that the attacker had leanings toward Islamist extremism. He was of Afghan origin.