FBI Seeking Public Help In Orlando Shooting Investigation

The FBI on Wednesday asked for the public’s help to learn more about the movements of Omar Mateen prior to his shooting rampage Sunday at an Orlando, Florida nightclub that left 49 people dead.

“We need your help in developing a picture of what the shooter did and why he did it,” said Ron Hopper, assistant special agent in charge of the Bureau’s Tampa Field Office. During an afternoon press briefing in Orlando with local law enforcement partners, Hopper urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to call the FBI or submit a tip online.

“The FBI’s Office for Victim Assistance and its experienced Victim Assistance Rapid Deployment Team is working together with the city of Orlando and federal, state, and community agencies to provide resources and support to victims, next of kin, and loved ones,” Hopper said.

Early Sunday morning a gunman, identified at as Omar Mateen, 29, a Florida resident and US citizen and son of immigrants from Afghanistan, took hostages at a gay nightclub that was celebrating an event in linked to gay pride week celebrations, killing 49 and wounding 53, before he was shot and killed by police.