Nation Mourns Pulse Orlando Shooting

Ryan
2845 days ago.

50 Dead In Pulse Orlando Mass Shooting

The United States saw its deadliest mass shooting in history in the early hours of June 12, 2016. A lone gunman opened fire on the dance floor of Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, a predominantly gay nightclub celebrating “Latin Night”. 49 people died in the tragedy and another 53 were injured.

Police vehicles responding to news of a mass shooting and hostage situation at Pulse in Orlando.
Police vehicles responding to news of a mass shooting and hostage situation at Pulse in Orlando. Photo Credit: Orlando Police Department on Twitter

 

Terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the shooting and the gunman, identified as Omar Mateen, called 911 to pledge allegiance to the group on the night of the attack. Mateen worked as a security guard and had been investigated twice by the FBI for suspected terrorist tries. U.S. officials have said they haven’t been able to find any connection between Mateen and ISIS. The shooter’s ex-wife has spoken to news outlets of Mateen’s history of domestic violence. On of his former co-workers also talked about his violent and hateful demeanor.

Police used a BearCat armored vehicle to punch a hole in a wall after a standoff to rescue some hostages. The gunman emerged from the hole shooting at police. He was shot and killed by police.

Thousands gathered in St. Louis last night at the Transgender Memorial Garden in the Grove neighborhood last night to mourn the tragedy together. The Riverfront Times has a collection of photos from the event.

Christina Grimmie Shot Dead In Orlando

Singer/songwriter Christina Grimmie, who placed third on season six of The Voice, was shot dead on Friday night after a concert in Orlando, Florida. Grimmie was signing autographs for fans when Kevin James Loibl walked up to the singer and shot her.  He was immediately tackled by Grimmie’s brother and fatally shot himself as the two tussled. The shooter was armed with two handguns, extra ammunition and a knife. He drove from his home in St. Petersburg, Florida to Orlando specifically to kill Grimmie, according to police. As of today, a motive for the killing is not known.

Grimmie had many friends in the music industry, where she first rose to fame as a teenager on YouTube with cover videos. Tributes to the late Grimmie have poured in from multiple musicians. Charlie Puth dedicated a performance of “See You Again” to Grimmie during his concert over the weekend. Selena Gomez broke down in tears when talking about Grimmie during a concert in Miami. Brian Teefey, Gomez’s stepdad, started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the Grimmie family. The campaign has currently raised more than $124,000.

Coaches from The Voice, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine (Grimmie’s coach during season 6), Usher, Blake Shelton, Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani all reacted to the shooting and shared their thoughts on social media as well.

Man En Route To Los Angeles Pride Parade Arrested With Guns & Explosives
A 20-year old Indiana man was arrested in Los Angeles, California mere hours after the tragedy in Orlando. Neighbors called police reporting a suspicious man knocking on doors and windows in the area, James Wesley Howell of Indiana was arrested after police found guns and explosives in his car after responding to the initial call to police. He told police he was on his way to the L.A. Pride Parade in West Hollywood.

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Ryan

Ryan is a weird dude. He doesn't cook, yet owns a plethora of kitchen gadgets. He rationalized buying a SodaStream while unemployed. He counts Step Up 2: The Streets as one of his favorite movies along with Footloose, Rent, Grease and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. He loves Mizzou but only wants them in the SEC so he can tailgate in Nashville. He owns a ShakeWeight and AbLounger, but still loves him some John Donut and Billie's Fine Foods. You can get more of Ryan at iLoveSoulard.com or just check the stool on the far end of the bar at iTap in Soulard.

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