By: James Buechele

June 14, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Days after the deadly mass shooting in Orlando, we’re hearing from more victims and those that worked to save their lives.

Orlando Regional Medical Center held a press conference Tuesday on the status of those in the hospital.

Hospitals like ORMC train for this type of scenario constantly, but as one doctor says, nothing can really prepare you for the real thing.

Survivor Angel Colon was shot multiple times at Pulse nightclub. When he fell to the ground, his legs were trampled and broken.

“I'm doing pretty well. I still can't walk, but as long as I have a smile on my face and I have that love that I feel, I’m okay," Colon said.

Colon is one of 27 patients still in the hospital, 6 of them in critical condition.

"This hospital, you guys have all been taking care of me very well," Colon told the hospital staff.

Tuesday, staff recalled the timeline of events as the massacre unfolded early Sunday morning.

"We quickly got about five patients, and that was a lot for us, and we thought maybe that was going to be it,” said Kathryn Bondani, M.D. with ORMC.

"I said this is not a drill, this is not a joke, we have 20 plus gunshot wounds coming in," said Dr. Chadwick Smith, the ORMC Surgical ICU Director.

Dr. Smith began making calls shortly after 2 Sunday morning.

"Every time, the answer that I got was, 'I’ll be right there,'" Dr. Smith told members of the media.

Tragedies like this one in Orlando have happened all across the country, including in Boston and Oklahoma City. Hospitals in those cities have reached out to the Orlando Regional Medical Center to give any advice and help that the patients and doctors need.

"It was the worst day of my career and the best day of my career. And I would think that this is probably the same for every person you see standing up here," Dr. Smith said.

With his family by his side, and world watching, Colon says he’s overwhelmed by all of the well wishes and support.

“I’ve seen so much love from everyone, not to only me, but to other victims, to the families. And we really have each other’s backs,” says Colon.

By: Associated Press

June 14, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A doctor who has been treating the wounded from the Orlando nightclub shooting says he would be surprised if the death toll doesn't rise.

Dr. Michael Cheatham said at a news conference Tuesday that six people are still critically ill at the hospital. He says they are doing everything they can for them and he asked people to pray for them.

Cheatham said hospital and trauma centers prepare for disasters, but "you can never prepare adequately."

Doctors described "truckloads" and "ambulance-loads" of patients.

Dr. Kathryn Bondani says the first patient that arrived was relatively stable, and the staff hoped that others would be in a similar condition. But the doctors soon got about five patients in much worse shape.

A man who survived the nightclub shooting says he thought "I'm next, I'm dead" as the gunman fired toward his head.

Angel Colon described the horrific night he survived during the news conference on Tuesday. Appearing in a wheelchair with the doctors and nurses who treated him nearby, Colon talked about what happened early Sunday at the Pulse nightclub.

He says the gunman shot a girl next to him and then shot his hand and his hip. He says he pretended to be dead and the gunman kept firing his gun.

Colon says at times the gunman was shooting people who appeared that they had already been killed.

He thanked the hospital staff and said "I will love you guys forever."

Forty-nine people were killed when a gunman attacked a gay nightclub on early Sunday. More than 50 people were wounded in the attack. The gunman died in a shootout with police.

By: James Buechele

June 13, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. (WCTV) – Monday, more vigils were held in Orlando and across the country to remember the 49 victims lost in Sunday’s mass shooting. A vigil in downtown Orlando drew a crowd of tens of thousands to show their support.

How do you heal a city hurting? If you’re Giovanni Ramirez, it’s as simple as a hug.

“The small act of a hug can really uplift somebody’s spirits,” Ramirez said.

He was inspired to create a sign reading #FreeHugs and #HugSquad, and at Monday’s vigil, it worked.

All evening, people came up to Ramirez for some much-needed free hugs.

Ebony Burgos was invited to go to the Pulse nightclub Saturday night but she declined. She showed up to Monday's vigil to prove how united Orlando is.

“I honestly think it’s a beautiful thing, I think it shows the strength of our community, not just the gay community, but Orlando as a whole. We’re a very strong community that stands together,” Burgos said.

During Monday’s vigil, a moment of silence was held, with a bell tolling for each victim of this weekend’s massacre.

From the city’s big gesture to Ramirez’s small one, it was tough to put into words the emotion of the night.

“There’s so much to say about it, I can’t even put my finger on it just one… excuse me,” Ramirez said, choking back tears. “I honestly, I don’t even have an answer for that. I’m just so mind boggled about it.”

Dozens came up to Ramirez for free hugs during the very emotional vigil. Just a simple hug that meant so much to so many, after one of the worst weekends in Florida’s history.

By: James Buechele

June 13, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. (WCTV) -- We now know all 49 of the victims names in Sunday's deadly nightclub shooting in Orlando.

Many friends of the victims already know their fate but they still have yet to hear exactly what happened, which makes the grieving process difficult.

Daniel Olivo lives a half mile down the street from the Pulse nightclub.

"My 19-year-old stepson woke me up, and [said] that he heard gunshots, so we just woke up and went around the house to see what was going on," Olivo says.

What was going on was the worst mass shooting in U.S. history

"It's very upsetting."

What Olivo didn't know was that his friend was among the 49 people shot and killed.

"This morning I wake up and find out that one of my friends has passed there. I took the day off and called my boss and I said, you know, I’m not in the situation to go to work today,” Olivo says.

Identifying all of the victims of the massacre was a difficult task. Florida State Attorney General Pam Bondi says it was more difficult because some of the families speak only Spanish.

"My victims’ advocates are incredible. We mobilized them yesterday and they are all now right here," Bondi says.

Through the tragedy, Olivo says he has seen the city or Orlando come together in a time of crisis.

“It's a beautiful thing when the neighborhood has come together for something like this.”

More about the 49 victims,

.

By: Associated Press

June 13, 2016 11 a.m.

PARIS (AP) -- From across the world, officials and public figures are expressing condemnation and shock over the Florida mass shooting at the Pulse Orlando nightclub on Sunday when police say a gunman opened fire, killing at least 49 people and wounding dozens.

The Eiffel Tower will shine in the colors of a rainbow on Monday night, starting at 10:45 p.m. (2045 GMT) to honor victims of the mass shooting at an Orlando gay club. Paris City Hall began paying respects in the afternoon with a display of American and rainbow flags, while French President Francois Hollande condemned the mass killing as an attack on freedom. He vowed to toughen the fight against terrorism "at the side of the American people."

"It's American that was hit but freedom that was targeted," Hollande said after signing a book of condolences at the U.S. Embassy, "freedom to choose one's sexual orientation, the freedom to determine one's way of life."

France feels deeply the horror of deadly attacks after the November terror attacks on a music hall, restaurants and bars and the main sports stadium killed 130. That was preceded by attacks on a satirical newspaper and a kosher grocery store. All were claimed by the Islamic State group.

Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama led a minute of silent prayer for the tragedy in Orlando during a visit to Washington.

Dressed in his customary saffron robes, he clasped his palms together, eyes closed, in front of several hundred people Monday at the U.S. Institute of Peace. He was there speaking about the role of youth leaders in resolving world conflict.

The prayer came after the last of the bodies were removed from an Orlando gay nightclub. The attack left 49 victims dead.

By: Associated Press

June 13, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. (Associated Press) -- Officials say they don't yet know if anyone will be charged in the massacre that left 50 dead at a gay Florida club.

U.S. Attorney Lee Bentley said at a Monday morning news conference that officials have been collecting electronic and physical evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

He says, "We don't know if anyone else will be charged." He adds that officials don't believe there is a threat of imminent danger to the public.

Shooter Omar Mateen was killed in the early Sunday incident. Officials say he killed 49 people.

The FBI says a total of 50 people were left dead, including Mateen.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The suspected Orlando nightclub gunman had been licensed as a private security officer in Florida.

State records show suspected shooter Omar Mateen held the firearms license since at least 2011. It was set to expire in September 2017.

It wasn't immediately clear where, if anywhere, Mateen had worked as a security officer. An armed guard license in Florida requires 28 hours of classroom training by a licensed instructor.

By: Associated Press

June 12, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A law enforcement official says the shooter in the massacre at a gay Florida nightclub was known to the FBI before the incident and had been looked at by agents within the last few years.

The official spoke to The Associated Press Sunday about the shooting, the deadliest in U.S. history. The official was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation and on spoke on condition of anonymity.

The shooter has been identified as Omar Mateen of Florida. The official says the matter for which Mateen came under investigation was "open and closed pretty quickly."

Other details about the matter weren't immediately available.

By: Governor's Press Office

June 12, 2016

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (GPO) -- Today, Governor Scott made the following statement after declaring a State of Emergency in Orange County after the horrific shooting this morning in Orlando.

Governor Scott said, “This is clearly an act of terror that happened in Orlando this morning. It sickens me and makes me angry. Of course, this is a time of great tragedy, and in every tragedy, there is a flood of sadness, confusion and despair. But, this is an attack on our people. An attack on Orlando. An attack on Florida. An attack on America. An attack on all of us.

“We still have a lot of questions that are unanswered. Our prayers are with the families and loved ones of everyone touched by this senseless tragedy. I want to urge the people of our state to pray for the victims, families of those who have been killed and wounded. Pray for our city, state and country.

“We are a great state. We are a diverse state and we have wonderful people here in Florida that will respond with dignity, strength and fortitude in the days ahead.

“To the people who did this or may be thinking about doing something similar: you don't want to commit an act of terror in our state. In Florida, our justice system is swift and our penalties are severe. We are at a 45-year crime low and proud to be a safe state for our 20 million residents and 100 million tourists.

“While our hearts are broken for the injuries and the loss of life that occurred here early this morning, I have every confidence that the Orlando community will come together and heal. We are a strong and resilient state. We have declared a state of emergency in Orange County to ensure all resources are made available to handle this tragic incident. We will also devote every and all available resources to help the city of Orlando heal.”

By: WCTV Eyewitness News

June 12, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. (WCTV) -- During a press conference, Orlando officials have increased the number casualties to 50.

At least 53 others were wounded.

Law enforcement in Orlando continue to search the area for any other threats.

By: CBS News

June 12, 2016 - 10:02 a.m.

ORLANDO, Fla. (CBS) - A shooting and hostage situation early Sunday morning at a Florida nightclub -- which describes itself as "Orlando's hottest gay bar" -- left multiple people dead, including the gunman, officials say.

Sources have confirmed to CBS News that authorities are investigating whether the suspect, who has been named as Omar Mateen, had ties to Islamic terrorism. Mateen is a U.S. citizen with no apparent criminal history, according to sources.

Orlando Police chief John Mina said "around 20" people are believed dead inside the nightclub, although he and others were hesitant to provide firm numbers as the situation was still being assessed early Sunday morning.

Local hospitals report receiving at least 42 patients from the incident.

A U.S. intelligence source told CBS news senior investigative producer Pat Milton that Islamic terrorism is being investigated as a possible motive in the shooting due to several indicators including the style of the attack, which had similarities to the attacks in Paris in November 2015 and Brussels in March. The gunman put up a protracted gun battle with police and was heavily armed, the source said.

Robots are now analyzing a device the gunman had strapped to his body to determine if it was a real explosive device or a fake made to look like a real device, the source said.

Witnesses tell CBS affiliate WKMG as well as other local news outlets that there are numerous fatalities. Police have so far only confirmed that the gunman is dead.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings described the situation as a "domestic terror incident," although he and other officials insisted there was no ongoing threat.

Mina said the incident at Pulse nightclub began around 2:20 a.m., when shots rang out and an officer already posted at the event engaged the gunman, whom Mina said was armed with an assault rifle, a handgun, and a "device" of some kind that officials believed was a threat. Mina said the gunman appeared organized and well-prepared for the incident.

Pulse Orlando posted on its own Facebook page around 2 a.m.: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running." Just before 6 a.m., the club posted an update: "As soon as we have any information we will update everyone. Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love."

After the officer already there engaged the gunman, other law enforcement agencies and officials responded, and the gunman retreated into the nightclub and began a "hostage situation," Mina said.

SWAT officer eventually made the decision to attempt to rescue the hostages, and entered the club, where nine officers were involved in the fatal shooting of the gunman, Mina said. One officer was injured, and Mina said he believes the officer's life was probably saved by his Kevlar helmet.

How and when the numerous deaths occured is still being investigated, officials said.

Mina and other law enforcement officials insisted there is no ongoing threat to the community.

As the news of the mass shooting broke Sunday morning, presidential candidates and other politicians took to Twitter to express their support for the victims.

Law enforcement sources tell CBS News the FBI is now responding, but that the Orlando Police Department is leading the investigation into the active shooting.

The incident is the second deadly shooting at an Orlando nightclub in the last week. Last Friday, 22-year-old singer Christina Grimmie was shot and killed after her concert in Orlando by a 27-year-old Florida man who later killed himself. Grimmie was a YouTube sensation and former contestant on "The Voice." Mina said officials do not believe the two incidents are linked.

By: Governor's Press Office

June 12, 2016 - 9:55 a.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (GPO) – Today, Governor Rick Scott released the following statement on this morning’s shooting in Orlando.

Governor Scott said,

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and all those affected by this horrific tragedy. We are a strong and resilient state and we will devote every resource available to assist with the shooting in Orlando. Our state emergency operations center is also monitoring this tragic incident. I have been in constant communication with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and state and local law enforcement this morning. I would like to also thank all the first responders who quickly came to assist and help those in need.”

Governor Scott is traveling to Orlando now to meet with law enforcement and local officials. An updated schedule will be released shortly.

By: One Blood

June 12, 2016 - 9:20 a.m.

ORLANDO, Fla. (WCTV) -- There is an urgent need for O Negative, O Positive and AB Plasma blood donors following a mass shooting in Orlando, Florida. Dozens of people have been injured and taken to area hospitals. The need for blood continues.

All eligible O Negative, O Positive and AB donors are urged to please donate today. To find a donation center or Big Red Bus near you visit www.oneblood.org or call 1.888.9Donate.

Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. To learn more about the importance of blood donation and how donors can target the power of their blood type visit oneblood.org.

By: CBS News

June 12, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. (CBS News) -- A shooting and hostage situation early Sunday morning at a Florida nightclub -- which describes itself as "Orlando's hottest gay bar" -- left multiple people dead, including the gunman, officials say.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said "many lives were lost and many more individuals were impacted by witnessing" the shootout and hostage situation.

Orlando Police chief John Mina said "around 20" people are believed dead inside the nightclub, although he and others were hesitant to provide firm numbers as the situation was still being assessed early Sunday morning.

Witnesses tell CBS affiliate WKMG as well as other local news outlets that there are numerous fatalities. Police have so far only confirmed that the gunman is dead.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings described the situation as a "domestic terror incident," although he and other officials insisted there was no ongoing threat.

Mina said the incident at Pulse nightclub began around 2:20 a.m., when shots rang out and an officer already posted at the event engaged the gunman, whom Mina said was armed with an assault rifle, a handgun, and a "device" of some kind that officials believed was a threat.

Pulse Orlando posted on its own Facebook page around 2 a.m.: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running." Just before 6 a.m., the club posted an update: "As soon as we have any information we will update everyone. Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love."

After the officer already there engaged the gunman, other law enforcement agencies and officials responded, and the gunman retreated into the nightclub and began a "hostage situation," Mina said.

SWAT officer eventually made the decision to attempt to rescue the hostages, and entered the club, where nine officers were involved in the fatal shooting of the gunman, Mina said. One officer was injured, and Mina said he believes the officer's life was probably saved by his Kevlar helmet.

How and when the numerous deaths occurred is still being investigated, officials said.

Mina and other law enforcement officials insisted there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Law enforcement sources tell CBS News the FBI is now responding, but that the Orlando PD is leading the investigation into the active shooting.

The incident is the second deadly shooting at an Orlando nightclub in the last week. Last Friday, 22-year-old singer Christina Grimmie was shot and killed after her concert in Orlando by a 27-year-old Florida man who later killed himself. Grimmie was a YouTube sensation and former contestant on "The Voice." Mina said officials do not believe the two incidents are linked.