Orlando Attacker From Afghanistan, Trained in US Weapons Use – US Lawmaker

Peter King, a member of US House of Representatives, said Sunday that a perpetrator of deadly Orlando attacks was of Afghan origin and has trained to use weapons.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, mass shooting occurred at a nightclub in Orlando. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer confirmed that at least 50 people were killed and 53 more were injured in the shooting. US media reported that the attack was conducted by US national Omar Saddiqui Mateen.

"He is from Afghanistan, I believe, and he has also trained in the use of weapons," King told CNN.

King also told CNN that the perpetrator could have Islamist leanings.  

Earlier a Twitter account affiliated with Daesh (IS, former ISIS/ISIL) has published a photo it claims to be of Omar Mateen who was reportedly identified as the Orlando nightclub shooter. 

"The man who carried out the Florida nightclub attack which killed 50 people and injured dozens," the caption accompanying the photo read.

Following the attack, local authorities announced state of emergency in both the state of Florida and the city of Orlando, while US President Barack Obama ordered to provide federal assistance to the investigation into the incident.