1. Pulse nightclub shooting anniversary victims
2. Remembering Pulse nightclub tragedy victims.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the victims of the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting in Orlando. This tragic event occurred eight years ago on June 12, 2016, when a gunman named Omar Mateen entered the nightclub and opened fire, resulting in the loss of 49 lives and injuries to 53 others.
Mateen’s Connection to the Treasure Coast
Omar Mateen had strong ties to the Treasure Coast, with his last known address being in Fort Pierce. Following the shooting, authorities swiftly investigated his residence in Fort Pierce and another property in Port St. Lucie, where his parents resided. Various items were seized from these locations as part of the investigation.
Employment History
Prior to the tragic incident at Pulse Nightclub, Mateen held several security positions in the Treasure Coast area. He worked at the Martin Correctional Institution in Indiantown and later served as a security guard at the St. Lucie County Courthouse and PGA Village in Port St. Lucie. Concerns were raised about Mateen’s behaviour at the courthouse, prompting a transfer request from a supervisor.
Early Life and Education
Born in New York, Mateen and his family relocated to the Treasure Coast in 1991. His academic journey was tumultuous, marked by disciplinary issues and multiple school transfers due to disruptive behaviour. Despite his troubled past, Mateen pursued a degree in criminal justice technology at Indian River Community College, where he graduated in 2006.
Rejection from Training Program
In 2015, Mateen applied to attend the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex at Indian River State College but was rejected. His application revealed past involvement in criminal activities and investigations, leading to his disqualification from the program.
Remembering the Victims
The Pulse Nightclub shooting remains one of the deadliest in modern history, claiming the lives of 49 individuals. The victims, ranging in age and background, left a lasting impact on their loved ones and the community.
Dacia L. Johnson contributed to this report.
Gianna Montesano is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at gianna.montesano@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1429, or follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @gonthescene.
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Pulse nightclub tragedy victims: Edward Sotomayor Jr, Stanley Almodovar III, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, Luis S. Vielma, Kimberly Morris, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, Darryl Roman Burt II, Deonka Deidra Drayton, Alejandro Barrios Martinez, Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, Amanda Alvear, Martin Benitez Torres, Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, Mercedez Marisol Flores, Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, Oscar A. Aracena-Montero, Enrique L. Rios Jr., Miguel Angel Honorato, Javier Jorge-Reyes, Joel Rayon Paniagua, Jason Benjamin Josaphat, Cory James Connell, Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, Luis Daniel Conde, Shane Evan Tomlinson, Juan Chevez-Martinez, Jerald Arthur Wright, Leroy Valentin Fernandez, Tevin Eugene Crosby, Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, Jean C. Nieves Rodriguez, Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, Christopher Andrew Leinonen, Angel L. Candelario-Padro, Frank Hernandez, Paul Terrell Henry, Antonio Davon Brown, Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, Akyra Monet Murray, Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, and Joel Rayon Paniagua..
