Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Omar Mateen: Orlando gunman was already known to the FBI

The FBI described the killer as a ‘known quantity’

 

Rachael Revesz
New York
Sunday 12 June 2016 22:04 BST
Comments
The FBI investigated Mateen in 2013 and 2014
The FBI investigated Mateen in 2013 and 2014

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The gunman who carried out the most deadly mass shooting in US history was a “known quantity” to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Omar Mateen of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, was on the FBI’s radar on two separate occasions before he was identified as the man behind the deaths of at least 50 people in the gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando.

He was a “person of interest” in 2013 and in 2014.

Speaking to The Washington Post, Mateen's ex-wife has described him as 'not a stable person'
Speaking to The Washington Post, Mateen's ex-wife has described him as 'not a stable person' (Myspace)

The FBI opened an investigation into the 29-year-old but closed the case when it failed to produce any information that warranted a closer look, according to Ronald Hopper, the FBI assistant agent in charge.

Mr Hopper also confirmed to reporters that Mateen called 911 and talked about his allegiance to the Islamic State before the attack.

A source also told The Daily Beast that Mateen was a "known quantity" to the FBI.

He was killed after he shot more than 100 people in the nightclub on Saturday evening with an assault rifle and a handgun. He purchased the weapons legally just a few days before the attack.

His ex-wife told the Washington Post that he had repeatedly beaten her during their two-year marriage until July 2011 and he was not a “stable” person.

His father, Siddique Mateen, told NBC news that his son was angry when he saw pictures of two men kissing.

“We are in shock like the whole country,” he said.

Mateen’s former employer, private security firm G4S, where he worked from 2007, said it is co-operating fully with law enforcement.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in