Orlando nightclub shooting: How the attack unfolded

A gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing at least 50 people and injuring dozens before being shot dead by police. What do we know about what happened?

President Obama says shooting at gay nightclub in Florida was "an act of terror and an act of hate".

How the incident unfolded

The attack began at about 02:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Sunday, said Police Chief John Mina. Pulse, which is one of the biggest nightclubs in Orlando, Florida, was holding a Latin-themed event that was nearing its end when a man opened fire inside.

Shortly afterwards, the nightclub posted on its Facebook page: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running." Police sources have told US media the gunman was in possession of a suspicious device strapped to his body.

There was an exchange of fire with a police officer working at the club, but it is unclear whether that was inside or outside the venue.

A hostage situation developed and at 05:00 local time (09:00 GMT), officers stormed the building and detonated a "controlled explosion".

The gunman was killed and police said at least 50 people are also dead, making it the worst mass shooting in recent US history. That figure could rise, with at least 53 wounded people taken to hospital.

Live updates on shooting
Fifty killed in Orlando club shooting

Who was the gunman?

Officials have named the suspect as Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old from Fort Pierce, a city about two hours drive south of Orlando, in St Lucie County.

An FBI spokesman said the gunman appeared to "have leanings towards" radical Islamist ideology but it was not yet clear whether this was a case of domestic or international terrorism.

Police departments across the country are increasing patrols near locations frequented by the LGBT community.

In Los Angeles, an armed man was arrested by Santa Monica police as he headed to the LA Pride event.
Mr Mateen's father told NBC News his son became very angry when he saw two men kissing recently in Miami.