A new video has surfaced showing clubgoers hiding in the bathroom at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub while a gunman shot and killed 49 people in what is now considered the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Cell phone footage obtained by Orlando station Local10 shows 20 to 30 people hiding in the bathroom stalls. One of the survivors, Miguel Leiva, told the news station he heard shooter Omar Mateen utter a “devilish laugh” during the siege.
While taking cover, hostages texted their families videos of the situation while trying to stay quiet so the gunman wouldn’t hear them. The group of hostages was held for over four hours until the shootout between Mateen and authorities ended in his death.
Leiva also detailed measures the group took to survive, including passing around one cup of water to everyone. One survivor was even on the phone with a 911 negotiator.
Mateen’s current wife is under investigation as she claimed awareness of her husband’s plan to commit an act of terror in advance of Sunday’s tragic shooting.
According to NBC News, Noor Zahi Salman told the FBI that she tried to dissuade her husband from carrying out the attack.
She also said that she was with him when he bought ammunition and a holster, and she drove her husband to Pulse nightclub to survey it before the shootings took place.
Massacre in Orlando: A Timeline of Terror (Photos)
Orlando terror suspect Omar Mateen in an undated photo. He is the gunman behind the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, which claimed 50 lives.
Orlando Police Department
Mateen entered Pulse, a popular LGBT night club with an intent to kill. Around 2 a.m., he began shooting patrons with an assault rifle.
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About 20 minutes into the shooting, Mateen placed a 911 call pledging allegiance to ISIS and referencing the Boston Marathon bombers. First responders arrived on the scene to find carnage inside and outside the club.
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Around 5 a.m., authorities broke down a wall and exchanged gunfire with Mateen, who had taken hostages. Mateen was killed.
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During a morning press conference, Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer amended the casualties from 20 to 50. Thirty-nine (including Mateen) were found dead at the club, two died outside, and nine died en route to the hospital. Fifty-three were injured.
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Pulse remained an active crime scene Sunday as authorities worked to identify the victims.
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Authorities descended upon Mateen's apartment Sunday afternoon to collect evidence and find a motive behind the shooting.
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A bomb squad was also brought in to sweep for explosives.
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Family and friends of the victims continue to await word. Authorities have yet to notify many next of kin.
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Omar Mateen killed 50 people in the deadliest mass shooting in American history
Orlando terror suspect Omar Mateen in an undated photo. He is the gunman behind the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, which claimed 50 lives.