Among the information released: a partial transcript of the gunman’s phone calls while the standoff was still underway. Though authorities divulged few details about what Mateen said, a timeline released shows when and how Orlando police officers responded to his words and actions.
Mina said his team shouldn’t be criticized over the length of the standoff.
“I think there’s a misconception that we didn’t do anything for three hours. I’m just trying to clarify that that’s absolutely not true,” Mina said.
According to the FBI timeline, Mateen opened fire at 2:02 a.m., and Officer Adam Gruler, who was moonlighting at the club, exchanged gunfire with him from the parking lot.
Gruler then retreated and called for backup.
For the next six minutes, Mateen worked his way through the club, according to witnesses, shooting people with a military-style rifle and a semi-automatic handgun, then doubling back and shooting at those who had not yet died.
Those backup officers arrived at 2:08 a.m. and went into the club and fired at Mateen, the FBI timeline shows.
‘Those killings are on the suspect’
It’s not clear when that gun battle ended, but Mina said there were no more shots fired by or at the gunman until about 5:15 a.m., about 10 minutes after the police department forced its way into the building with explosives and an armored vehicle.
Gruler then retreated and called for backup.
So, the one armed defender cut and ran? I had assumed he was killed. What a hero. He sent potentially a couple hundred unarmed people to their deaths. Fortunately, some escaped. I’m sure he he’ll get a medal for that.