No conspiracy - Orlando Shooting - 49 dead

Most of you have already viewed the FBI's press conference by the ASAC in Orlando. If you have not, then here is the latest from us:  

        The FBI is taking the lead in this investigation, and we are working closely, hand in hand with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to determine how and why this horrific act happened.

·       We’re gathering a lot of information. We want to share as much as we can. Here is what we know right now:

o   The individual believed to be responsible for the terror attack at the Orlando club Pulse early Sunday morning has been identified as Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, age 29, an American citizen born in New York. He died in an exchange of gunfire with police officers.

o   The FBI first became aware of Mateen in 2013 when he made inflammatory comments to co-workers alleging possible terrorist ties.

o   The FBI thoroughly investigated the matter, including interviews of witnesses, physical surveillance, and records checks. In the course of the investigation, Mateen was interviewed twice. Ultimately, we were unable to verify the substance of his comments, and the investigation was closed.

o   In 2014, Mateen again came to the attention of the FBI, because of possible ties to Moner Abu Salha, an American suicide bomber. The FBI conducted an investigation including an interview with Mateen. We determined the contact was minimal and did not constitute a substantive relationship or a threat at that time.

o   It has been reported the Mateen made a call to 911 this morning in which he stated his allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State. We are looking into any and all connections, both domestic and international.

        We wanted to provide this information to you. We will continue to be in contact with our Counterterrorism Division  and provide additional information when it is released.