Gunman kills 20 in Florida gay nightclub

At least 20 are reported dead and more than 40 injured after a gunman took hostages at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Police killed him and described the massacre as an act of terrorism.

"Everyone get out and keep running," the club posted on its Facebook page during the attack, which began about 2 a.m. The BBC reports that desperate relatives have gathered near the club after receiving texts and call from inside but nothing since.

https://twitter.com/OrlandoPolice/status/741955142774325248

https://twitter.com/OrlandoPolice/status/741952039400427520

The shooter was named as Omar S. Mateen, a U.S. citizen from Port St. Lucie, Fla., reports WDBO, and the FBI are "leaning towards Islamic terrorism" as motive.

A clubber earlier described a situation of chaos outside as the number of casualties became apparent.

"There were just bodies everywhere," Christopher Hansen said. "In the parking lot, they were tagging them - red, yellow - so they knew who to help first and who not help first. Pants down, shirts cut off, they had to find the bullets. Just blood everywhere."

Some of the injured were reportedly brought to the Orlando Regional Medical Center in police pick-ups.

John Mina, Orlando's Police Chief, said the attack began when a police officer stationed at the club exchanged gunfire with the assailant, who managed to enter the club and initiate a hostage situation.

A SWAT team went in at about 5 a.m. to rescue the hostages and the suspect died in a shoot-out. He was said to be armed with an assault rifle and handguns , reports The Boston Herald.

He was "organized and well prepared" for the attack, reports WFTV, citing a city official.

An explosion reported at the scene was a controlled blast used to distract the gunman, police said. About 100 people were in the club at 2 a.m., said clubgoer Jon Alamo, who reported hearing as many as 50 shots