A shooting rampage at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday created left approximately 20 people dead, including a gunman, Police Chief John Mina said.
Mina said the tragedy began at 2:02 a.m. when a police officer engaged in a gun battle with a suspect outside Pulse, a gay club just south of downtown. A hostage situation then took place and a SWAT team was called in, he said. Police received updates from patrons trapped in the club.
"At about 5 a.m., a decision was made to rescue hostages," Mina said. "Exchanged gunfire with the suspect. He is dead."
Mina said 42 people were transferred to local hospitals. He estimated the death toll at 20, and said about 30 people were rescued.
"Tonight our community witnessed a horrific crime... that will have a lasting effect on our community," a solemn Mayor Buddy Dyer said.
Mina said the gunman was armed with an assault rifle and handgun. Officers from multiple agencies and dozens of emergency vehicles responded to the scene. Orange County Fire and Rescue called for gurneys to move victims from the club.