The Latest: 50 killed in deadliest mass shooting in US
The mayor of Orlando says there were 50 casualties and there are 53 more hospitalized after a mass shooting at a popular gay nightclub there.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks said earlier that the mass shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks said earlier that the mass shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
President Barack Obama has been briefed by his homeland security and counterterrorism adviser about the shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando that left about 20 people dead and 42 wounded.
The White House said Sunday, several hours after the incident, that Obama has been briefed and has asked for regular updates as the FBI and other federal officials work with Orlando police on the case.
Press secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement that the president has directed federal officials to provide "any necessary assistance to pursue the investigation and support the community."
Orlando Police Chief John Mina says authorities have not determined an exact number of people killed, but that "approximately 20" have died.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks says the mass shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
Police had said previously on Twitter that there was a "controlled explosion" at the scene of the shooting at Pulse Orlando, a popular gay dance club.
Police say multiple people have been killed inside a Florida nightclub, and at least 42 wounded people have been taken to hospitals.
Mina also says the suspect had exchanged gunshots with an officer working at the club, then went back inside and took hostages around 2 a.m. About three hours later, a SWAT team made the decision to go inside and rescue the hostages.
Police described the shooting as a "mass casualty situation" and said local, state and federal agencies were involved in the investigation.
Multiple emergency vehicles have reportedly responded, including the Orlando Fire Department's bomb squad and hazardous material team.
A post on the department's official Twitter account early Sunday morning says "multiple injuries" have been reported following the incident at the Pulse Orlando nightclub near Orange and Kaley avenue.
Multiple emergency vehicles have reportedly responded, including the Orlando Fire Department's bomb squad and hazardous material team.