A new report confirms the shooter behind the deadly attacks on an Orlando nightclub over the weekend had a troubled past, including multiple school suspensions, drug use and a criminal record.
The information gives new light into why Omar Mateen was not admitted into the police academy in December 2013, for which he had cited as religious discrimination because he was a Muslim.
Mateen was suspended 48 days between 2000 and 2002 for various offenses when he was in middle and high school, according to Martin County school records.
The 28-page personal history questionnaire — part of the police academy application — also asked about Mateen’s criminal record. Mateen wrote that he had had his records sealed and expunged.
He also admitted he had participated in “undetected crimes,” or violations of the law that he was not arrested for or caught breaking.
Mateen also said he had used marijuana and steroids, but never consumed alcohol.
