Facebook, Twitter, Google Sued: Orlando Terror Victims' Families Seek Accountability, Report Says

ORLANDO, FL — Twitter, Google and Facebook should be held accountable for allegedly providing “material support” in the radicalization of Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen, according to a federal lawsuit some of Mateen's victims' families filed in the Eastern District of Michigan Monday.

The families are seeking to hold the three social media platforms partially responsible for the June 12 terror attack that is considered the worst mass shooting in modern American history. Mateen walked into the popular gay bar in the early morning hours that Sunday and opened fire. Forty-nine people were killed and 53 wounded before law enforcement officers shot and killed Mateen, 29.

Mateen’s rampage has been classified as an act of terror by the federal government. He placed 911 calls during the attack pledging his support of the Islamic State.

Fox News broke the story about the lawsuit Monday, which was filed by families of three of the victims. The suit alleges that the three social media platforms “provided the terrorist group ISIS with accounts they use to spread extremist propaganda, raise funds, and attract new recruits,” Fox reported.

Google is reportedly implicated in the lawsuit due to its ownership of YouTube, where ISIS has posted videos of executions in the past.

None of the three social media giants have commented on the suit, Fox noted.

While the families’ lawsuit makes its way through the courts, the City of Orlando recently found out its bid to purchase the Pulse site had been rejected by the club’s owner.

See also: Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub Purchase Nixed By Owner

Mayor Buddy Dyer announced earlier this month the city had been informed that its $2.25 million purchase offer on the South Orange Avenue property was turned down. That offer was an estimated $1.65 million above the appraised value of the property. Orlando intended to buy the club and transform it into a memorial honoring the victims of the shooting.

Pulse’s owner Barbara Poma released a statement explaining she could not walk away from the club that “means so very much to my family and to our community." Poma said she intends to “create a space for everyone, a sanctuary of hope, and a welcoming area to remember all those affected by the tragedy," the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Dyer’s office also issued a statement saying the city understands and respects Poma’s decision. Dyer remains “hopeful the Pulse site continues to be a place of hope and healing that honors the victims.”

To read more about the lawsuit, visit Fox News online.

Photo courtesy of the Orlando Police Department