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

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?


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.

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

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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.

"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.


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.
 

PA