BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – Leader of the Opposition in St. Kitts and Nevis the Right Hon Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has expressed shock over the “act of terrorism and hate at the “Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida and anxiously awaits more information on whether nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis are among the victims.
“The citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis resident at home and abroad are shocked over the loss of lives resulting from the terrorist act committed in the early hours of this morning at the "Pulse" Night Club in Downtown Orlando, Florida,” Dr. Douglas said in a statement on Sunday.
He said the people of St. Kitts and Nevis “join with other Caribbean people and the government and people of the USA in condemning this act of violence and continue to express outrage when international terrorism manifests itself so close to home.”
“We too anxiously await more information on those who have fallen victims considering so many of our own nationals reside in the Orlando area,” the former Prime Minister said.
“On behalf of the Federal Parliamentary Opposition, the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party and myself I express profound condolences specifically to the families of those who lost their lives and generally to the people and governments of Rolando and the USA, and the LGBT community. We also pray for those who have been injured and are hopeful for their speedy recovery,” Dr. Douglas said.
What we know
- A gunman opened fire inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., killing 50 people and leaving 53 others hospitalized in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
- The suspect was identified as Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen whose family is believed to be from Afghanistan.
- Mateen, who was carrying an assault-style rifle, handgun and possibly an explosive device, was killed after exchanging fire with officers at 5 a.m. He had taken hostages inside.
- According to officials, Mateen called 911 during the attack to pledge his allegiance to ISIS.
- Federal officials are investigating Mateen's possible ties to radical terror organizations. He was known to the FBI, which questioned him in 2013 but found his ties were insignificant.
- Mateen's father expressed shock over the attack, but said his son did have held anti-gay views.
- Witnesses described a chaotic scene as they attempted to flee.
- Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer called for patience as authorities continued the gruesome task of removing bodies from the club.
- The names of the victims are being released as next of kin are notified, police said.
- Florida officials called on the public for blood donations, and donors showed up in droves.
- President Obama called the shooting "an act of terror and an act of hate.".
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