Fact Check: "Witnesses report chaos as attacker opened fire before detonating explosives."
What We Know
The claim that "witnesses report chaos as attacker opened fire before detonating explosives" pertains to the tragic shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. During this incident, a gunman named Omar Mateen opened fire inside the club, killing 49 people and injuring dozens more before being killed by police. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of utter chaos, with individuals screaming and running for safety as shots rang out. One witness stated, "I heard 20, 40, 50 shots," while another described the situation as "complete chaos" with people getting trampled and struggling to find exits (BBC).
Mateen was armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle and a handgun. After the initial gunfire, he took hostages in a bathroom and claimed to have explosives, which led police to prepare for a tactical response (BBC). Ultimately, police breached the building using explosives to create an entry point, allowing many hostages to escape before confronting and killing the shooter (BBC).
Analysis
The claim is partially true. While it accurately reflects the chaos reported by witnesses during the shooting, the assertion that the attacker detonated explosives is misleading. The gunman did not detonate any explosives during the attack; instead, he threatened to use explosives while holding hostages. The police, in response to this threat, used explosives to breach the building and rescue hostages (BBC).
The eyewitness accounts are credible, as they come from individuals who were present during the attack and have been reported by reputable news sources. However, the confusion surrounding the use of explosives stems from the police's tactical response rather than any action taken by the shooter. This distinction is crucial for understanding the events that transpired during the attack.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim captures the essence of the chaos experienced during the attack at Pulse nightclub, as reported by witnesses. However, it inaccurately implies that the attacker detonated explosives during the shooting. In reality, the explosives were used by police to breach the building in response to the gunman's threats. Therefore, while the chaos was indeed reported, the specifics regarding the use of explosives need clarification.
Sources
- Orlando nightclub shooting: How the attack unfolded
- Kabul airport attack involved a single bomb with 'disturbing lethality'
- Colorado fire-bomb suspect planned attack for a year
- Mercedes TΔ±r, Kamyon ve Γekici Fiyat Listesi - Mercedes-Benz
- FBI releases photos of New Orleans terror suspect and explosives packed
- Suicide bomber kills at least 13 in Syrian church near Damascus during mass
- Trucks you can trust | Mercedes-Benz Trucks
- Police believe New Orleans ramming suspect did not act alone
