Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Sunday declined to speculate whether an overnight mass shooting in Orlando, Fla. was carried out in connection with the Islamic State terrorist organization.
“We will continue to monitor developments from local law enforcement and the FBI to determine the exact nature of this crime and whether it was connected to international terrorist groups,” McConnell said in a statement.
The shooting by 29-year-old Omar Matteen began shortly after 2 a.m. ET on Sunday morning at a gay nightclub in downtown Orlando. Authorities declared the incident the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history on Sunday.
FBI officials confirmed that the shooter, born in the U.S. to Afghan parents, had previously been monitored by federal authorities between 2013 and 2014. Florida Congressman Adam Schiff told CNN that local law enforcement said Mateen had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
Islamic State spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani urged sympathizers of the Sunni terrorist group last month to carry out lone wolf attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
“The nation’s prayers are with the victims and their families in the wake of this terrible tragedy,” McConnell said Sunday. “We thank the citizens and first responders who helped rescue and save lives amidst horror and chaos.”
