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2016 US ELECTION

Terror returns to US shores with gay club massacre

– FBI probe –

The suspect’s ex-wife, who divorced him in 2011, told reporters he had been violently abusive to her but was not especially religious.

But the FBI’s Hopper told reporters Mateen’s behavior had raised red flags well before Sunday’s attack.

In 2013, he was probed by the bureau after making inflammatory comments to co-workers that suggested terrorist ties.

Later, in 2014, he was again questioned by agents investigating his contacts with Moner Mohammad Abusalha, a fellow Floridian.

Abusalha became notorious as the first US citizen to carry out a suicide bombing in Syria, and was reportedly a member of an Al-Qaeda affiliate.

“We determined the contact was minimal and did not constitute a substantive relationship or a threat at that time,” Hopper said.

The Orlando atrocity came at the height of what is already a heated US presidential election campaign, and the main candidates were quick to react.

– Hostage rescue –

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Democratic flag-bearer Hillary Clinton postponed a joint campaign rally with Obama and tweeted that her “thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act.”

Her Republican rival Donald Trump, meanwhile, lost no time in claiming the attack proved he was right to promise a ban on Muslims entering the US.

Trump demanded Obama resign for failing to publicly blame the massacre on “radical Islam,” and vowed to make a speech on security policy Monday.

“If we do not get tough and smart real fast, we are not going to have a country anymore,” Trump declared.

Events at Pulse unfolded over a three hour period from around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) when shots rang out amid the throbbing music.

Police said the gunman was armed with an assault rifle and a handgun.

A policeman working “extra duties” at the club responded and two other officers exchanged fire with the suspect.

Police stormed the venue after the suspect fell back inside, and broke through a wall with a wheeled armored vehicle known as a BearCat.

It was unclear whether all the victims were killed by the gunman or if some died in crossfire during the assault to rescue his hostages.

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