Release of Orlando Shooter's Phone Conversation with Police

On June 21, the FBI released a recording of Omar Mateen's conversation with police during the three-hour hostage situation at a gay club in Orlando, where Mateen threatened to strap explosives to the hostages. The perpetrator of the largest mass shooting in modern American history expressed loyalty to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the self-proclaimed Islamic Caliphate in Iraq and Syria, during these conversations. He told the police negotiator to ask the U.S. to stop bombing Iraq and Syria, stating, 'This is why I am here.' In Mateen's attack on the Pulse club, 49 people were killed and 53 were injured. He was born in the United States to Afghan immigrant parents, and U.S. officials believe he was likely influenced by extremist ideologies; however, it has been emphasized that there is still no evidence or witness to suggest he had connections with foreign extremist groups. In his first conversation with a 911 operator, Mateen declared his loyalty to al-Baghdadi. Shortly after, he began talking with police negotiators. The first negotiation occurred at 2:48 AM and lasted 9 minutes, the second lasted 16 minutes, and the third lasted 3 minutes. During these calls, Mateen identified himself as a 'soldier of Islam' and claimed to be the one who pledged allegiance to al-Baghdadi. He also demanded an end to the bombings in Syria and Iraq. When the police negotiator asked what he had done, he replied, 'No! You already know what I have done.' He then threatened that he had placed a bomb-laden vehicle outside the club and would detonate it. In another conversation, he stated he would strap explosives to the hostages 'like those used in France.' Apparently, he was referring to the extensive attacks in Paris carried out by affiliates of the 'Islamic State,' which left 130 dead. These threats seemed to have impacted the police's response speed in Orlando, as they were uncertain about their authenticity. The FBI stated that after the rescue of hostages and the killing of Omar Mateen, no bomb-laden vehicle or explosive belt was found. Initially, the Department of Justice and the FBI released part of the conversations, for example, without mentioning the leader of the 'Islamic State.' Police and government officials stated they did not want to provide a platform for promoting a group or individual. However, hours after criticisms, including from Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House, all conversations were released. The Orlando massacre once again brought Barack Obama's criticisms of easy access to firearms, including semi-automatic and powerful weapons like those used in the Pulse club, to the forefront. Tens of thousands gathered on June 30, one day before the release of Mateen's conversations, in downtown Orlando to remember the 49 people he killed, lighting candles. During the ceremony, the mayor of Orlando stated, 'We will not be intimidated by the violent hatred of mad killers.' In this context, the wife of the Orlando shooter was aware of his intention to attack. Obama stated that any terrorist or disturbed individual can easily buy powerful weapons.