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Dad of Orlando ISIS killer says 'God will punish homosexuals' after son kills 49 in gay club

After the ISIS gunman killed 49 people at Pulse nightclub on Sunday, his father Seddique spoke out on Facebook

ISIS gunman Omar Mateen's father has said that his son should not have killed 49 revellers at Pulse nightclub... because "God himself will punish those involved in homosexuality".

Speaking on Facebook, Seddique Mateen said: "I don’t know what caused him to shoot last night.

"I am deeply saddened and announce this to the people of America.

"God himself will punish those involved in homosexuality – this is not for the servants’ of God."

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The killer's father was also interviewed on Fox 35 in his own home for an interview on his son's actions.

Speaking on camera for 15 minutes, he said: "I wish he was alive.

"I would ask him one question — why? Why Orlando? Why did he do this?

Omar Mateen, who massacred 50 people in a mass shooting at a gay nightclub was known to US authorities
Pro-ISIS gunman Omar Mateen
 

"Because, it's not allowed in my family."

 

Police have confirmed that there were 50 fatalities, including the gunman.

In the interview, Mateen's dad said his son had a good education and a good life in the United States, having been born in New York before becoming a Florida resident.

He also claimed that his son visited the family home and appeared to be acting normally just hours before the massacre.

 

Getty Images
FBI agents investigate near the damaged rear wall of the Pulse Nightclub whe-re Omar Mateen allegedly killed at least 50 people
Investigators examine the scene of Pulse

 

Mateen, 29, was identified as the shooter by his ex-wife.

Read more: Emotional JK Rowling pays tribute to 22-year-old Harry Potter worker killed in Orlando shooting

 

Barcroft

People hold candles to pay tribute to Orlando nightclub shooting victims in Vancouver, Canada

 

ISIS has since claimed responsibility for the shooting.

Read more: Orlando terrorist's internet bride says ISIS gunman Omar Mateen beat her for not doing the washing

“The armed attack that targeted a gay night club in the city of Orlando in the American state of Florida which left over 100 people dead or injured was carried out by an Islamic State fighter,” Amaq News Agency reported.

Islamic State then reiterated once more a claim of responsibility for the attack today.

 

Orlando Police  @OrlandoPolice

Official victim count: 49 shooting victims plus suspect. Total 50.pic.twitter.com/wkh6A83fNV

7:34 AM - 13 Jun 2016

 

"One of the Caliphate's soldiers in America carried out a security invasion whe-re he was able to enter a crusader gathering at a nightclub for homosexuals in Orlando, Florida ... whe-re he killed and injured more than a hundred of them before he was killed," the group said in a broadcast on its Albayan Radio.

Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon and Jean Carlos Mendez Perez
Facebook Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon and Jean Carlos Mendez Perez died at the club

 

Although the group claimed responsibility, this did not necessarily mean it directed the attack: there was nothing in the claim indicating coordination between the gunman and ISIS before the rampage.
 

Getty
A van f-rom a funeral service is seen infront of the Pulse club in Orlando

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and her Republican rival Donald Trump are both expected to address the issue later today at campaign events.

 

GettyThe One World Trade Center tower is lit up in the colors of the pride flag to honor the victims of a mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando
The One World Trade Center tower is lit up in the colors of the pride flag to honor the victims of a mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando

Some 350 patrons were attending a Latin music event at Pulse, a well-known gay nightspot in the city, and survivors described scenes of carnage and pandemonium as the shooter took hostages inside a bathroom.

 

FacebookMartin Benitez Torres, 33 years old
Martin Benitez Torres, 33, was also among the victims

 

Partygoer Eddie Justice texted his mother Mina f-rom the toilets inside the club as she waited outside.

He wrote: “He’s coming. I’m gonna die,” before then saying: “He has us, and he’s in here with us.”

It was the last she heard f-rom him and he was later confirmed as one of the victims.

 

Facebook
Eddie Justice texted his mother before he was killed

 

Another reveller, Kenneth Melendez, said four of his friends were shot and taken to hospital.

 

Facebook
Mercedez Flores died at the club

He said: "At first, when I heard the shots I thought it was part of the music, but then we realised it was really happening.

"I started running and saw someone bleeding f-rom the arm and I was like, wow, this is really happening and I kept running."

 

Twitter / MEN MediaRainbow flags in Manchester Gay Village at half mast following the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando
Rainbow flags in Manchester Gay Village at half mast following the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando

 

Witness Juan Rivera added: “Around 2am when the club was about to close we heard shooting outside – once they finished the shooter came inside and he had a rifle and he started shooting everywhe-re.

"We heard about 30 shots and all of a sudden the lights went off and we had blood all over our shirts.”

 

FacebookAmanda Alvear
Amanda Alvear took video of the shooting before being shot

 

Mr Rivera said the gunman, who was thought to be wearing a suicide vest, said nothing and was firing as he blocked one of the two exits f-rom the club.

 

 

PAOmar Mateen, who massacred 50 people in a mass shooting at a gay nightclub was known to US authorities

Author: The Daily Mirror

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