AS WE SLEPT – AT 10:58 A.M. ET:  From The New York Times:

ORLANDO, Fla. — A gunman killed 50 people and wounded 53 in a crowded gay nightclub in Orlando early Sunday, officials said, in the worst mass shooting slaughter in American history, and law enforcement officials said it was an act of terrorism.

The gunman was Omar Mateen, an American citizen living in Port St. Lucie, Fla., federal law enforcement officials said.

The killer stormed the Pulse nightclub armed with an assault rifle and a handgun — investigators were still looking into the possibility that he had explosives, as well — at about 2 a.m., when more than 300 people were inside dancing and drinking, said John Mina, the Orlando police chief.

The gunman exchanged fire with an off-duty police officer working security at the club, then mowed down dozens of patrons, sending hundreds of others, some of them bleeding, fleeing down the darkened streets of the surrounding neighborhood.

The gunman holed up inside with dozens of people effectively held hostage, some of them hiding in a restroom frantically calling for help, until after 5 a.m., when the police, using an armored vehicle and stun grenades, assaulted and killed him. The raid saved about 30 people, Chief Mina said.

COMMENT:  We know these additional facts:  The terrorist was a Muslim.  He was an American citizen born to Afghan parents.  He worked as a security guard.  He had reportedly expressed interest in radical Islam.   The attack occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when Muslim extremist leaders urge followers to carry out terror attacks. The attacker was described by police as very well prepared and armed. 

What we don't know:  We don't know whether the alleged shooter was part of a group, or acted alone.  We don't know if he specifically targeted gay people, or simply picked a nightclub at random.  We don't know if he was on any watch list.

This will be a massive investigation.  It was the biggest terror attack on our soil since 9-11. 

June 12,  2016