Worst mass shooting in U.S. history leaves 50 dead, 53 injured in Orlando

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — At least 50 people are dead and another 53 injured after a mass shooting at a downtown Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning, officials have confirmed.

Authorities said Omar Mateen, 29, was armed with a .223 caliber AR type rifle and a handgun when he entered Pulse nightclub off Orange Avenue and Kaley Street at about 2 a.m. and started shooting, according to WESH.

Officials said more than 300 people were inside for the club’s “Latin flavor” event when the shooting broke out.

An officer working at the nightclub responded to reports of shots fired. He and two officers nearby opened fire on the shooter and a gunbattle ensued, according to Fox 6.

The shooter then went back into the club and the incident turned into a hostage situation, police said.

After a three-hour standoff, Orlando Police Chief John Mina said a decision was made to rescue hostages at about 5 a.m.

Police crashed into the building with an armored vehicle and stun grenades, according to CNN. Mina said the police were able to rescue about 30 people.

According to Mina, 11 Orlando police officers and several Orange County sheriff’s deputies exchanged fire with Mateen and killed him.

According to a report by CNN, a U.S. official said Mateen called 911 during the attack to pledge allegiance to ISIS and mentioned the Boston Marathon bombers.