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"I am in Orlando and I did the shootings," said Omar Mateen. | McClatchy Washington Bureau

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National

June 20, 2016 03:53 PM

"I am in Orlando and I did the shootings," said Omar Mateen.

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These photo combination shows victims of the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday, June 12, 2016, at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. Top row from left are: Amanda Alvear, Angel L. Candelario-Padro, Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, Antonio Davon Brown, Christopher Leinonen, Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, Darryl Roman Burt II, Edward Sotomayor Jr., Enrique L. Rios Jr., Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera and Frank Hernandez. Second row from left are: Franky Jimmy De Jesus Velazquez, Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, Jason Benjamin Josaphat, Javier Jorge-Reyes, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, Joel Rayon Paniagua, Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Kimberly Morris and Leroy Valentin Fernandez. Third row from left are: Luis D. Conde, Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Luis S. Vielma, Martin Benitez Torres, Mercedez Marisol Flores, Miguel Angel Honorato, Oscar A Aracena-Montero, Paul Terrell Henry, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz and Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala. Bottom row from left are: Shane Evan Tomlinson, Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, Stanley Almodovar III, Tevin Eugene Crosby, Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, Yilmary Rodriguez Sulivan, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, Geraldo Ortiz-Jimenez and Juan Chavez Martinez.
These photo combination shows victims of the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday, June 12, 2016, at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. Top row from left are: Amanda Alvear, Angel L. Candelario-Padro, Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, Antonio Davon Brown, Christopher Leinonen, Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, Darryl Roman Burt II, Edward Sotomayor Jr., Enrique L. Rios Jr., Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera and Frank Hernandez. Second row from left are: Franky Jimmy De Jesus Velazquez, Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, Jason Benjamin Josaphat, Javier Jorge-Reyes, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, Joel Rayon Paniagua, Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Kimberly Morris and Leroy Valentin Fernandez. Third row from left are: Luis D. Conde, Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Luis S. Vielma, Martin Benitez Torres, Mercedez Marisol Flores, Miguel Angel Honorato, Oscar A Aracena-Montero, Paul Terrell Henry, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz and Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala. Bottom row from left are: Shane Evan Tomlinson, Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, Stanley Almodovar III, Tevin Eugene Crosby, Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, Yilmary Rodriguez Sulivan, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, Geraldo Ortiz-Jimenez and Juan Chavez Martinez. AP
Workers move dirt while preparing for three burials scheduled for Saturday for victims of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting following the burial service of victim Anthony Luis Laureano Disla Friday, June 17, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
Workers move dirt while preparing for three burials scheduled for Saturday for victims of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting following the burial service of victim Anthony Luis Laureano Disla Friday, June 17, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. David Goldman AP
This undated file image shows Omar Mateen, who authorities say killed dozens of people inside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday, June 12, 2016. A bartender told The Associated Press that Mateen stalked her nearly a decade ago when he started coming into her Florida bar.
This undated file image shows Omar Mateen, who authorities say killed dozens of people inside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday, June 12, 2016. A bartender told The Associated Press that Mateen stalked her nearly a decade ago when he started coming into her Florida bar. AP
In this Aug. 15, 2012 file photo, three variations of the AR-15 assault rifle are displayed at the California Department of Justice in Sacramento, Calif. While the guns look similar, the bottom version is illegal in California because of its quick reload capabilities. Omar Mateen used an AR-15 that he purchased legally when he killed 49 people in an Orlando nightclub over the weekend. President Barack Obama and other gun control advocates have repeatedly called for reinstating a federal ban on semi-automatic assault weapons that expired in 2004, but have been thwarted by Republicans in Congress.
In this Aug. 15, 2012 file photo, three variations of the AR-15 assault rifle are displayed at the California Department of Justice in Sacramento, Calif. While the guns look similar, the bottom version is illegal in California because of its quick reload capabilities. Omar Mateen used an AR-15 that he purchased legally when he killed 49 people in an Orlando nightclub over the weekend. President Barack Obama and other gun control advocates have repeatedly called for reinstating a federal ban on semi-automatic assault weapons that expired in 2004, but have been thwarted by Republicans in Congress. Rich Pedroncelli AP
Lucyvette Padro mourns at her sons wake, Angel Candelario Padro, one of the 23 Puerto Ricans that died at the hands of a gunman in Orlando, Fla., in Guanica, Puerto Rico, June 16, 2016. Dozens of people where gunned down at the a nightclub, making it the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
Lucyvette Padro mourns at her sons wake, Angel Candelario Padro, one of the 23 Puerto Ricans that died at the hands of a gunman in Orlando, Fla., in Guanica, Puerto Rico, June 16, 2016. Dozens of people where gunned down at the a nightclub, making it the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Carlos Giusti AP
Krystle Martin cries as she speaks to the media near a makeshift memorial Monday, June 13, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., one day after a fatal shooting at the Pulse gay nightclub.
Krystle Martin cries as she speaks to the media near a makeshift memorial Monday, June 13, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., one day after a fatal shooting at the Pulse gay nightclub. Chris O'Meara AP
Ernesto Vergne looks at a cross honoring his friend Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado and the other victims at a memorial to those killed in the Pulse nightclub mass shooting a few blocks from the club early Friday, June 17, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
Ernesto Vergne looks at a cross honoring his friend Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado and the other victims at a memorial to those killed in the Pulse nightclub mass shooting a few blocks from the club early Friday, June 17, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. David Goldman AP
Club goers embrace at the approximate time one week ago the Pulse nightclub mass shooting began as the music is turned off on the dance floor to observe a moment of silence at Parliament House, an LGBT nightclub early Sunday, June 19, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
Club goers embrace at the approximate time one week ago the Pulse nightclub mass shooting began as the music is turned off on the dance floor to observe a moment of silence at Parliament House, an LGBT nightclub early Sunday, June 19, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. David Goldman AP
Club goers gather outside Parliament House, an LGBT nightclub, close to the one week anniversary of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting late Saturday, June 18, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
Club goers gather outside Parliament House, an LGBT nightclub, close to the one week anniversary of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting late Saturday, June 18, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. David Goldman AP
Caleb McGrew, right, wipes tears as he stands with his partner Yosniel Delgado Giniebra, center, during a vigil in memory of the victims of the Orlando mass shooting, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Miami Beach, Fla. A gunman opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday, before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said.
Caleb McGrew, right, wipes tears as he stands with his partner Yosniel Delgado Giniebra, center, during a vigil in memory of the victims of the Orlando mass shooting, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Miami Beach, Fla. A gunman opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday, before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. Lynne Sladky AP
Seddique Mir Mateen, father of Omar Mateen, who died in a gun battle with a SWAT team after he opened fire at the gay nightclub Pulse early Sunday, talks to reporters, across the street of a residence owned by the family, Wednesday, June 1, 2016, in Fort Pierce, Fla.
Seddique Mir Mateen, father of Omar Mateen, who died in a gun battle with a SWAT team after he opened fire at the gay nightclub Pulse early Sunday, talks to reporters, across the street of a residence owned by the family, Wednesday, June 1, 2016, in Fort Pierce, Fla. Alan Diaz AP
Photos of victims lay at the base of a memorial to those killed in the Orlando nightclub massacre, at a gay pride rally in Denver, Sunday June 19, 2016.
Photos of victims lay at the base of a memorial to those killed in the Orlando nightclub massacre, at a gay pride rally in Denver, Sunday June 19, 2016. Brennan Linsley AP
Members of the clergy light candles to honor the victims of the recent mass shooting during a candlelight service at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Sunday, June 19, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
Members of the clergy light candles to honor the victims of the recent mass shooting during a candlelight service at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Sunday, June 19, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. John Raoux AP
Corey Evans carries a homemade candelabra during a marching vigil in honor of the victims of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting Saturday, June 18, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
Corey Evans carries a homemade candelabra during a marching vigil in honor of the victims of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting Saturday, June 18, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. David Goldman AP
A large crowd gathers for a vigil in honor of the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in Orlando, Fla., on Monday, June 13, 2016.
A large crowd gathers for a vigil in honor of the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in Orlando, Fla., on Monday, June 13, 2016. Charles King TNS
Mary and Jennifer Ware, left and right, light candles during a vigil in Orlando, Fla., for the victims of the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub on June 13, 2016. On Sunday, June 12, 2016 a gunman killed dozens at the crowded gay nightclub, making it the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
Mary and Jennifer Ware, left and right, light candles during a vigil in Orlando, Fla., for the victims of the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub on June 13, 2016. On Sunday, June 12, 2016 a gunman killed dozens at the crowded gay nightclub, making it the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. David Goldman AP
An aerial view of the mass shooting scene at the Pulse nightclub is seen in Orlando, Fla. on June 12, 2016. A gunman opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday, before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. With news that Omar Mateen killed dozens of people in the gay nightclub in Florida and was born to Afghan immigrant parents, the Afghan-American community is expressing horror, sorrow and disbelief that one of their own could commit the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
An aerial view of the mass shooting scene at the Pulse nightclub is seen in Orlando, Fla. on June 12, 2016. A gunman opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday, before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. With news that Omar Mateen killed dozens of people in the gay nightclub in Florida and was born to Afghan immigrant parents, the Afghan-American community is expressing horror, sorrow and disbelief that one of their own could commit the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Red Huber AP
Shooting victim Angel Santiago, right, wipes away a tear as Patience Carter, of Philadelphia, left, relays her experience of being in the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub during a news conference at Florida Hospital Orlando Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Listening at center is Dr. Brian Vickaryous.
Shooting victim Angel Santiago, right, wipes away a tear as Patience Carter, of Philadelphia, left, relays her experience of being in the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub during a news conference at Florida Hospital Orlando Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Listening at center is Dr. Brian Vickaryous. Phelan M. Ebenhack AP
People hold up candles against a rainbow lit backdrop during a vigil for those killed in a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub downtown Monday, June 13, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
People hold up candles against a rainbow lit backdrop during a vigil for those killed in a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub downtown Monday, June 13, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. David Goldman AP
Bob Civil, who works at the nearby Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender center, pauses to bless victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting at a makeshift memorial in front of the Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in New York.
Bob Civil, who works at the nearby Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender center, pauses to bless victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting at a makeshift memorial in front of the Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in New York. Kathy Willens AP
A makeshift memorial to Christopher Andrew Leinonen, in photo at right, and his boyfriend Juan Ramon Guerrero, left, both killed in the Pulse nightclub mass shooting a week ago, stands a few blocks from the club early Sunday, June 19, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
A makeshift memorial to Christopher Andrew Leinonen, in photo at right, and his boyfriend Juan Ramon Guerrero, left, both killed in the Pulse nightclub mass shooting a week ago, stands a few blocks from the club early Sunday, June 19, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. David Goldman AP
The symbol for 'One Orlando' is spelled out at a makeshift memorial at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, Fla., June 18, 2016. Nearby, visitors lit candles and prayed at a larger memorial, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, to mourn the victims of the Pulse massacre.
The symbol for 'One Orlando' is spelled out at a makeshift memorial at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, Fla., June 18, 2016. Nearby, visitors lit candles and prayed at a larger memorial, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, to mourn the victims of the Pulse massacre. Joe Burbank AP
Jim Bonner comforts his daughters Lucy, left, and Ella, right, during a moment of silence for the victims of the fatal shooting at the Pulse Orlando night club, before a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the San Francisco Giants, June 17, 2016, in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Jim Bonner comforts his daughters Lucy, left, and Ella, right, during a moment of silence for the victims of the fatal shooting at the Pulse Orlando night club, before a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the San Francisco Giants, June 17, 2016, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Chris O'Meara AP
Don Raber, from LA, wraps his arms around his friends, Chris Drozd, 28, of Orlando and Stefan Salvatore, 27, of Miami as they mourn three friends who were killed at Pulse nighclub in Orlando, Fla. The men placed flowers and photos at a growing memorial in the grass in the Seneff Arts Plaza in downtown Orlando, to honor those killed and injured at Pulse.
Don Raber, from LA, wraps his arms around his friends, Chris Drozd, 28, of Orlando and Stefan Salvatore, 27, of Miami as they mourn three friends who were killed at Pulse nighclub in Orlando, Fla. The men placed flowers and photos at a growing memorial in the grass in the Seneff Arts Plaza in downtown Orlando, to honor those killed and injured at Pulse. Emily Michot Miami Herald
Orlando Police officers direct family members away from a fatal shooting at Pulse Orlando nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016. With news that Omar Mateen killed dozens of people in a gay nightclub in Florida and was born to Afghan immigrant parents, the Afghan-American community is expressing horror, sorrow and disbelief that one of their own could commit the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
Orlando Police officers direct family members away from a fatal shooting at Pulse Orlando nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016. With news that Omar Mateen killed dozens of people in a gay nightclub in Florida and was born to Afghan immigrant parents, the Afghan-American community is expressing horror, sorrow and disbelief that one of their own could commit the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Phelan M. Ebenhack AP
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