ISIS Claims Credit For Orlando Massacre

The Hill reports:

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claimed responsibility Sunday for a deadly nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla., that left 50 dead and 53 injured. “The attack that targeted a nightclub for homosexuals in Orlando, Florida and that left more than 100 dead and wounded was carried out by an Islamic State fighter,” ISIS said in a statement. The organization offered no proof for the attacks.

Speaking to reporters on the scene shortly before 3 p.m., Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (D) said ISIS had accepted responsibility for the shooting. But he said it had not been confirmed by the FBI. “In this case, if we’re getting those kind of statements from the news agency of the Islamic State, we’ll have to see what those connections are.”

Federal law enforcement officials say the gunman was Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old American citizen living in Port St. Lucie, Fla. He was killed at the scene in a shootout with police. He was reportedly armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle and a handgun. News networks reported Mateen phoned 911 moments before the shooting to pledge allegiance to ISIS.

RELATED: Florida Gov. Rick Scott and AG Pam Bondi spoke at the site this afternoon.