REPORT: Some Orlando Terror Victims May Not Have Been Killed by Omar Mateen

Image credit: AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Image credit: AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Image credit: AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Arek Sarkissian, of the Naples Daily News, reports that Orlando Police Chief John Mina and other law enforcement officers offered new details about the Orlando terror shooting, including the possibility that some victims may have been killed by officers trying to save them:

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“I will say this, that’s all part of the investigation,” Mina said. “But I will say when our SWAT officers, about eight or nine officers, opened fire, the backdrop was a concrete wall and they were being fired upon.”

A law enforcement source close to the investigation who asked not to be named because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly said a crowd of up to 300 people and the complex layout of the dance club may have resulted in some patrons being struck by gunfire from officers.

I have the greatest of respect and admiration for the brave officers who didn’t hesitate and immediately responded and engaged the terrorist shooter. According to Sarkissian, an off-duty Orlando police officer working at the club was investigating an underage drinker outside when he heard gunshots inside. The off-duty officer ran inside the club and traded gunfire with Mateen. He was backed up soon by three other Orlando police officers. Together, the officers fired at Mateen, who retreated into a bathroom toward the rear of the club. I strongly believe that is the best way to deal with an active shooter.  You can’t wait a second.

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Law enforcement officers don’t have the best aim when involved in shooting incidents — 70 to 80 percent of the shots fired during a shooting incident miss the intended target. So it shouldn’t be surprising if some of the Orlando victims were hit by police fire.

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