FBI says there’s ‘no evidence’ to suggest Orlando killer was gay or used hook-up apps
The FBI has warned that 2024 Pride events in the US could be targeted by foreign terror groups this year. (Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty)
The FBI has rubbished claims in the media that Orlando killer Omar Mateen may have been gay himself before carrying out the killing.
Following the horrific homophobic massacre, there have been repeated claims that Mateen was a gay man, with some claiming to have met him in Pulse nightclub before, or suggesting they had seen him on gay hook-up apps.
One man has even come forward claiming to be Mateen’s ex-lover – but the FBI has rubbished all of the claims after an extensive investigation of Mateen and his motives.
Officials told the LA Times that they investigated the man claiming to be Mateen’s ex and found him to be not credible, and that they have no evidence whatsoever that Mateen – who pledged his allegiance to ISIS in calls to emergency services – led a secret gay life.
The newspaper reports: “In seeking to verify the reports, federal agents have culled Mateen’s electronic devices, including a laptop computer and cellphone, as well as electronic communications of those who made the claims, law enforcement officials said.
“So far, they have found no photographs, no text messages, no smartphone apps, no gay pornography and no cell-tower location data to suggest that Mateen — who was twice married to women and had a young son — conducted a secret gay life.
“The FBI is continuing to explore Mateen’s past, but investigators now believe the men who made the claims are not credible, or confused Mateen with someone else.”
Earlier this week, call transcripts were released showing that Mateen directly pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
The FBI originally released a redacted transcript of the call omitting reference to specific terrorist groups, but after criticism released an uncensored version.
It reads:
“OD: Emergency 911, this is being recorded.
OM: In the name of God the Merciful, the beneficent [Arabic]
OD: What?
OM: Praise be to God, and prayers as well as peace be upon the prophet of God [Arabic]. I wanna let you know, I’m in Orlando and I did the shootings.
OD: What’s your name?
OM: My name is I pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi of the Islamic State.
OD: Ok, What’s your name?
OM: I pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi may God protect him [Arabic], on behalf of the Islamic State.
OD: Alright, where are you at?
OM: In Orlando.
OD: Where in Orlando?
[End of call.]”
