Pulse nightclub shooting survivors sue Orlando and its police

Survivors of the Pulse nightclub massacre that left 49 dead and 53 injured two years ago are suing the city and police for not doing enough to protect them. 

More than 35 victims have signed on as plaintiffs, accusing the city and its officers of violating the Constitutional rights of those who were injured and killed on June 12, 2016, when Omar Mateen opened fire at Pulse. 

Mateen pledged allegiance to the ISIS during the three-hour standoff before he was finally killed in a shootout with police.

Plaintiffs contend that officers should have more aggressively confronted Mateen to prevent mass casualties. 

Attorney Solomon Radner exits with Pulse nightclub survivor Keinon Carter (L) after a news conference in Orlando, Florida in June 7, 2018. Carter was one of more than 35 victims who signed on as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Orlando and city police

Orlando Police Department Officer Adam Gruler is pictured above. The lawsuit names Gruler, who worked an extra-duty shift at the nightclub that evening

Orlando Police Department Officer Adam Gruler is pictured above. The lawsuit names Gruler, who worked an extra-duty shift at the nightclub that evening

The lawsuit individually names Orlando Police Department Officer Adam Gruler, who worked an extra-duty shift covering the nightclub that evening. 

The lawsuit says that Gruler ‘abandoned his post’ and, during that time, Mateen walked in, looked around, walked out to retrieve weapons and returned to the club.

Gruler fired at Mateen from two spots outside the club after the shooting began. Officials estimated Mateen fired more than 200 rounds in less than five minutes.

Gruler was later hailed as a hero. He was honored by the city and invited to President Trump’s State of the Union speech.

Carter is seen on Monday June 12, 2017 at a Gays Against Guns event in New York. He spoke at a news conference Thursday saying: 'I believe victims of the Pulse shooting deserve better. We deserved better'

Carter is seen on Monday June 12, 2017 at a Gays Against Guns event in New York. He spoke at a news conference Thursday saying: ‘I believe victims of the Pulse shooting deserve better. We deserved better’

Law enforcement officials investigate near the Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen  killed at least 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando. Survivors of the shooting are now suing Orlando and the city police

Law enforcement officials investigate near the Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen killed at least 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando. Survivors of the shooting are now suing Orlando and the city police

Investigators work the scene following a mass shooting at the Pulse gay nightclub. It took police three hours to shoot dead gunman Omar Marteen

Investigators work the scene following a mass shooting at the Pulse gay nightclub. It took police three hours to shoot dead gunman Omar Marteen

The suit will also list another 30 unnamed officers, some for not capturing the shooter and others for rounding up uninjured survivors and bringing them to Orlando police headquarters for interviews.

‘I believe victims of the Pulse shooting deserve better. We deserved better,’ victim Keinon Carter said during the news conference Thursday. 

Omar Mateen killed 49 people and wounded 53 others at the mass shooting at the Pulse gay bar in Orlando

Omar Mateen killed 49 people and wounded 53 others at the mass shooting at the Pulse gay bar in Orlando

‘We deserved to be rescued sooner by law enforcement.’

The suit also says that officials didn’t allow survivors to use their phones once police had secured the club.

‘The detainees were not permitted to use their phones, contact their loved ones, or leave. 

‘They were detained as though they were criminals, by these defendants despite there being not a shred of evidence nor any lawful basis to suspect that any of the detainees had committed a crime,’ attorneys wrote in the court document.

In a statement, Orlando police and the city of Orlando said they haven’t seen the lawsuit.

‘We can’t comment on the substance of the litigation,’ the statement said. 

‘On the morning of June 12, 2016, federal, state and local law enforcement officers and first responders put themselves in harm’s way to save as many lives as possible.

Our first responders are committed to the safety of this community, and they stand ready to protect and serve.’

The suit calls for additional training and resources, a jury trial and an undetermined monetary judgment.



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