ISIS terror strikes in Orlando

by Kay Kim, junior editor in chief

49 people were killed and at least 53 were injured at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The mass shooting, which is said to be the second worst terror attack, following 9/11 took place on Sunday, June 12th at PULSE.

“I thought it was completely horrific. I know that mass shootings are unfortunately very common in America, but to me, it was incredibly horrible to hear that someone could do that [shooting],” junior Amanda Leon said.

Gunman of the mass shooting was, Omar Mateen. He was an American-born man, who had pledged allegiance to ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant). He was shot and killed by the police.

“This [shooting] shows that America has very low security, although I see that airports and police do stop and check people… Everyday people may look innocent, but I feel like you never know when someone can snap and do something crazy,” junior Adriana Loh said.

At first, when people in the nightclub heard the gunshots, they thought it was part of the show being held there. The loud music made it more difficult to decide whether the gunshots were real or not.

However, once screams were heard and the shots did not stop, they knew it was reality. People hid in dressing rooms, bathrooms, and other parts of the building. Others escaped by crawling. One bartender even hid under the glass bar.

39 people were pronounced dead the scene. 11 people were pronounced dead at the hospital that they were taken to. 43 people were being treated at Orlando Regional Medical Center.
* All information has been gathered from CNN.