Chilling Pulse Nightclub Massacre Video Released

ORLANDO, FL — As the one-year anniversary of the worst mass shooting in modern American history nears, the City of Orlando has released police bodycam footage that offers a glimpse into the chaos that unfolded inside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016.

The footage shows the fear and terror as patrons at the packed club attempted to flee the scene. Shots can be heard ringing out as officers move into the building, ordering those they encountered to show them their hands. The devastation left in Omar Mateen’s wake is also evident on the sometimes grainy footage.

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The Pulse nightclub was thrust into the international spotlight when Mateen, 29, walked into the packed establishment in the early morning hours of June 12 and opened fire. Mateen was shot and killed by law enforcement, ending the rampage.

The federal government has described Mateen’s assault on the nightclub as an act of terror. Mateen placed 911 calls during the attack pledging his support of the Islamic State.

Since the attack, the outpouring of support for Orlando, the families of victims and survivors has been steady. In August, two of the hospitals that treated patients in the hours, weeks and months after the shooting, announced their intention to waive bills. Last month, Pulse owner Barbara Poma announced plans to turn the scene of the tragedy into a permanent memorial and museum. The fate of the Pulse site had been a topic of speculation since last December when Poma pulled out of a $2.25 million deal for its sale to the city of Orlando.

Poma announced the establishment of the onePULSE Foundation during an early-May media conference. The foundation will be tasked with raising money for the creation of a permanent memorial, scholarships and community grants to benefit victims and their families. The foundation will eventually create a museum to honor the 49 people killed and 68 injured during the massacre at the popular gay bar.

“This must and will be a healing initiative,” Poma said.

The onePULSE Foundation is a nonprofit incorporated by Poma with a mission “to create a sanctuary of hope around this tragic day in American history,” according to its website. The resulting memorial and museum will also honor the first responders and health care professionals who cared for the victims following the shooting.

The video released by the city can be viewed below. Note: Scenes are graphic and may be disturbing to viewers.

Photo courtesy of the Orlando Police Department