Pulse shooter Omar Mateen ‘did it for revenge’: alleged ex-lover

[BeyondGeography]

The gunman who slaughtered 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando was a confused, gay man who drank heavily, a man who claims he was his lover for two months told Univision.

Omar Mateen, the deranged Muslim shooter behind the massacre, held a grudge against Latino men he met at the popular gay club because he felt used by them, the man told the network. “I’ve cried like you have no idea. But the thing that makes me want to tell the truth is that he didn’t do it for terrorism,” the man told Univision Noticias anchor Maria Elena Salinas in an exclusive interview on Tuesday. “In my opinion he did it for revenge.”

Mateen even had a tryst with two men, one of whom later revealed he was HIV positive, the man said.

Univision was unable to independently verify the man’s account, but the FBI confirmed to the network that it had met with him.

...The man said that Mateen was attracted to Latino men, but felt used and rejected by them after several sexual encounters.

More at:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/pulse-shooter-omar-mateen-revenge-alleged-ex-lover-article-1.2682856

[Bluenorthwest]

1. Contradicts what several survivors of the rampage have said.

I believe the actual witnesses.

[Ghost in the Machine]

6. Eyewitness accounts, especially from *survivors* of a traumatic event, can be very unreliable...

I know this from experience, being a survivor of Hurricane Andrew. I was right in the middle of "ground zero" in Florida City, FL. when it hit. Everybody hears about Homestead.. Florida City is right next to Homestead, it's "Sister City" and a very small town.

I know that during the first half of the storm, I was in a motel room holding a box spring and mattress against the window to keep stuff from flying in... and almost got sucked out when a tornado took the roof off. During the eye of the storm I had to dig my parents, sister & brother-in-law out from under debris in a room a couple of doors down, plus helped dig out and rescue some other folks and get everybody to the downstairs rooms. The motel staff had given everyone top floor rooms because they were expecting a high flood surge from the Bay. Instead, the storm gained speed, never got the flood surge, but spawned thousands of small tornadoes, wind bursts, etc.

I know that while trying to help everyone else, I got caught outside when the back half came over. The only place I had for shelter was under a concrete stairwell, where I huddled up for what seemed like an eternity. I was in 'survival mode', and just trying not to get my head cut off, or body impaled, by flying debris. I couldn't tell you for sure if it was 20 minutes or 2 hours.

I still remember like it was yesterday, but in trying to relate it to someone, I often confuse timelines and events, and some things differ from those of my family members, except for the fact that I dug them out, and helped save several other people. Some things are very vivid, some come in flashes, and my mind just kind of fills in the blanks over the course of the next few days. We had the Lead Detective and another Officer from the Florida City Police Department there at the motel who I was personal friends with. They deputized me, because I had a pistol with me, and told me to take a couple of guys with me and go get everything that we could from the destroyed restaurants and convenience stores on US 1 in front of the motel, and that I was not looting, but making "emergency appropriations" for the survival of everyone at the motel. Get all of the food, drinks, charcoal, juices, etc., that we could find.

The biggest haul for food came from the Burger King right behind us, as the walk-in cooler inside was still standing. We got all of the frozen burgers and chicken that they had, and there were 2 30 gallon trash cans with liners that were used for storing ice. My dad and I had thrown a grill from the house into the back of the truck before we evacuated to the motel, and only 1 other person in the motel had a grill with them. My dad and I spent about 36 hours straight, cooking on the grill and feeding people so the food didn't spoil while the ice lasted. We drank warm drinks for days..

Sorry for rambling, but that may also show you that people who were running on pure adrenaline, and 'survival mode', can confuse facts and timelines. It's almost 24 years later, and I still get emotional talking about it.... and sometimes don't even trust my OWN account of things....

Peace,

Ghost

[Snarkoleptic]

10. Harrowing tale, thanks for sharing.

n/t

[Ghost in the Machine]

18. You're welcome, but like I said, I still get very emotional when I talk about it... even just typing

it out, the memories come flooding back in, and it makes it hard... then I start rambling as other details/memories come flooding in. No matter how hard I try, I can't put it all together in one coherent piece because one memory will trigger another, that may have happened before or after what I'm talking about, and I start going down that lane, getting sidetracked...

Peace,

Ghost

[Igel]

13. Lots of other things in high-publicity cases go wobbly, too.

During the height of the priest pedophilia scandal there was one woman who accused some high-ranking priest that had been in Los Angeles.

Was interviewed on the national news. Details as to what he did, where he did it, when he did it. It was obvious she had to be telling the truth--she hadn't been around the guy for years, and if it was personal (as it clearly was) it had to be of long-standing.

Until they checked where the priest was for not just the dates but in some cases the months the woman said he had assaulted her. He wasn't in town. Speculation that the records had been cleaned up--in at least one of the instance the records conveniently said he was at a conference in another state. Then photographs of him in those places in things like newspapers squashed the speculation.

She was a loon. She confabulated the entire affair.

She quickly vanished because the confidence her earnestness, apparent authenticity, and attention to detail all made her incredibly credible. And showed exactly how gullible people were with what they wanted to believe. Turns out she *had* been a parishioner there and so knew the layout of the building, offices, etc., and that provided the details.

[Ghost in the Machine]

23. Yes, I have seen that happen in other high-publicity cases. Michael Jackson, more than a few priests

... Shaq, Kobe Bryant, etc...

I tend to get a little distrusting when the details are too detailed, especially with EXACT times, days and dates. I think to myself "What? Did you go right home and write this down in a diary or something, and JUST NOW want to come out with it, 20 something years later??"

We had had several Hurricane Warnings in about 2 years before Andrew, and they ALL either turned before they hit land, or just petered out to a Tropical Storm, or less. Hell, we were having a "Hurricane Party" in our room! It was me, my wife, my brother-in-law's sister and her husband, who my wife and I were friends with. We were slamming drinks and hitting joints at every thunderclap and lightning flash... until shit started getting REAL! I know what DATE it hit us, but what TIME??? Couldn't tell you.. I wasn't wearing a watch, and the power was out and it was dark. What TIME did the eye come over?? It was still dark, but just breaking daylight... what time did the back half hit us?? Couldn't tell you, but I was outside, huddled under a stairwell, scared for my life... I know that State Troopers from outside the devastated area didn't show up until dark, and the National Guard didn't get there until the next day.

People were walking around like zombies, just totally freaked about all the devastation. The motel was 2 miles from my home, and I knew it was gone, too.. as did a lot of others there. We were under mandatory evacuation from our HOMES, but just went to the motel. It looked like we had been carpet bombed... concrete light pole snapped in half, buildings totally demolished, and streets covered with debris.

Peace,

Ghost

[genxlib]

24. I think we are connected Ghost

I am almost certain that you are talking about the hotel that I designed (East side of US-1 before you get to Card Sound Road)

I was a young structural engineer and that was one of my buildings. I spent the Hurricane up in Aventura and it still scared me from 30 miles away. I thought for sure my apartment in Coconut Grove was trashed but it turned out to be OK

On the second day after the storm, the Miami Herald published the first paper. The story you just recounted was front page of the local section.

Not only did I recognize the building I could visualize exactly what the story was describing. Every failure they described I knew exactly what joint or connection they were talking about.

I was devastated. I thought my career was over when it had only begun. I could only be thankful that no one was seriously hurt.

We found out later that the Contractor had left out some key reinforcing steel that would have held the building together. Just plain left it out. I suspect it was purposeful and that the owner was in on it because he quietly turned around and hired the same Contractor to fix it.

I still have that newspaper clipping. I keep it as a reminder that you can't always trust people to do the right thing.

I spent a lot of time down there after the storm. It is really hard to describe the damage to people who were not there. I saw things that I still have trouble believing.

I am truly sorry you went through that traumatic experience. It sounds like things could have been so much worse without your action. You are a hero. As someone who would have had to bear the guilt, I appreciate your action to keep people safe in a harrowing situation. You have my deepest gratitude..

[Ghost in the Machine]

25. Thank you very much, genxlib, but I NEVER thought of myself as a hero for what I did...

I was simply a victim, who was physically able to help others in need at the time...

This wasn't your hotel, though. I was at the first one on the West side right past the light at US 1 & Palm Drive. It sat behind the Texaco, Burger King, Long John Silver's and Bojangles. It was a 2 story place with all block walls and wooden trusses. The only steel I saw was the stairways hand rails and the 2nd story balcony rails. Yours was farther down South, by the new Taco Bell and, if memory serves correctly, the new Shell gas station, almost across from The Last Chance Saloon & Jack's Bait & Tackle.

I know how you were feeling though, but as a Commercial Roofer instead of an engineer. I was the Foreman on one crew, and Superintendant over 3 crews, and we fabricated & erected metal truss systems, then put down the metal decking and Loadmaster Roofing Systems on several waterfront properties in North and South Carolina, that were later hit by storms. I always watched to see if I could see one of my buildings, but thankfully never had to go back to fix any. This was several years after Andrew, and the building codes, especially roofing codes, had already been drastically changed.

I am glad to hear that it wasn't on your part, and there ARE a lot of Contractors out there who cut corners to increase profits. They disgust me, and I actually quit a couple of jobs when the boss tried to get us to cut corners. Mine was a 'labor of love', meaning that I loved what I did, and built every house, school, church, hospital, nursing home, shopping mall, condo, hotel or motel as if MY FAMILY was going to be living in it and depending on it for safety.

Peace,

Ghost

[genxlib]

31. I guess our stories are eerily similar

I know how you feel about the hero thing. Since Andrew, I have been involved in many Search and Rescue operations including 9/11, Katrina, Haiti, etc. I am along to help some of the true heroes but have never considered one myself. It has made me squeamish at times when people try to bestow the title on me. I used to argue with them but I gave that up.

But what you described is text book definition to me. Putting yourself in danger to help others is heroic. The fact that you were scared makes it more heroic, not less. You can hold your head up and and accept the title proudly.

peace

[philosslayer]

2. The evidence continues to mount

That this had nothing to do with Islam.

[LostOne4Ever]

3. Except for all the evidence that showed the contrary.

[font style="font-family:'Georgia','Baskerville Old Face','Helvetica',fantasy;" size=4 color=#009999]Like the Shooters own words...[/font]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=7938440

[Darb]

4. Uh huh, yeah, got it.

Anyone can say anything for any reason. This story needs corroboration. Mateen's words I discount completely, but couldn't give a shit if he did it because he was an Issy supporter. Doesn't matter. It's all the same to me.....mass murder by a loony with a gun.

[LostOne4Ever]

17. I think the DOJ is pretty good corroboration.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/joint-statement-justice-department-and-fbi-regarding-transcript-related-orlando-terror-attack

[font style="font-family:'Georgia','Baskerville Old Face','Helvetica',fantasy;" size=4 color=#009999]And I care because even if all guns were banned homophobes would still find a way to kill LGBTQ people.

I want to destroy or minimize the homophobia that inspires people to do things like this. That combined with getting rid of the guns will save far more lives than either alone.[/font]

[IronLionZion]

11. Do you believe Trump's own words too?

Trump has said things about himself that are just unbelievable. But it must be true, right?

[LostOne4Ever]

16. If it was about his own personal beliefs, at the end of his life with nothing to lose, and

[font style="font-family:'Georgia','Baskerville Old Face','Helvetica',fantasy;" size=4 color=#009999]no evidence to the contrary?

Sure I would.

But thinking that you know someone better than they know themself sounds like something Trump would do.

Given his background, given what he did, there is not one thing to indicate that he had any reason to lie. The only reason to doubt him is if you had a specific agenda that had nothing to do with the facts.[/font]

[redstatebluegirl]

30. He would rather be seen as a terrorist than gay....so damn sad!

[King_David]

5. That's just absurd

The vermin scum murderer himself pledged allegiance to an Islamic terrorist group ISIS,the killer made the Haj twice and had admitted he dos it for his religion.

[840high]

7. Agree. I take

him at his word.

[Ghost in the Machine]

8. ONE of several groups he mentioned, some of which were rivals.....

Orlando: Omar Mateen 'pledged loyalty to ISIL, others' Orlando shooting14 June 2016
Omar Mateen, the suspect behind worst mass shooting in US history, pledged loyalty to several rival groups, says FBI.


An American man suspected of killing at least 49 people in a gay nightclub in Orlando espoused support for a jumble of often-conflicting organisations, according to the director of the FBI.

As details of the worst mass shooting in US history emerged, FBI Director James Comey said on Monday that the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Omar Mateen, had not only pledged loyalty to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), but also expressed solidarity with the Tsarnaev brothers who carried out the Boston Marathon bombing and a suicide bomber who died on behalf of the al-Nusra Front, a group at odds with ISIL.

"They're really trying to paint a picture of a confused person, who felt targeted because of his religion," said Al Jazeera's Patty Culhane, reporting from Orlando.

The gunman had called 911 during the attack at the Pulse nightclub early on Sunday to express his allegiance to ISIL.

But Comey - who believed Mateen had "strong signs of radicalisation" - said that in the past few years, the gunman also expressed support for both al-Qaeda and Hezbollah.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/orlando-omar-mateen-pledged-loyalty-isil-160613174808533.html

Peace,

Ghost

[King_David]

9. All those groups were Islamic

All homophobic
All claimed by the shooter
But it has nothing to do with Islam

That's just absurd.

Better a self hating Gay , than the truth?

[eggplant]

12. All those groups are at war with each other.

[King_David]

21. And ?

How's that relevant to anything?

[eggplant]

34. It would be like shooting up a place because you like both teams in the superbowl.

It makes no sense to commit acts of violence because you like both sides of warring factions. This makes MUCH more sense:

http://www.advocate.com/crime/2016/6/14/two-men-shooters-hometown-say-he-was-grindr

Self-loathing among closeted gay men is common, and to discount it in this situation is simple denial. Why would anyone even suggest that he was a regular at Pulse if it wasn't true?

[King_David]

35. The scum vermin said he did it for Islamic extremist reasons

And you think cos he's a gay closet case he murdered 49?

Get real .He had 2 wives and stalked many women.

That's offensive and that's putting it mildly... And I'm not the only Gay dude here yelling this and giving you guys much needed education.

[eggplant]

43. And yet.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017387642

I never said that he went on a killing spree BECAUSE he was closeted. People choose to not come out for many different reasons. That is absolutely their right, and does not suggest that he would be filled with hate or self-loathing.

I said he went on a killing spree because he was a self-loathing nutjob, who was lashing out.

Do you still want to cling to your Islamic terrorism meme?

[King_David]

44. That's frankly not in doubt

Except those prepared to throw Gays under the bus to absurdly claim it's not Islamic terrorism despite the murderer pledging allegiance, gone on the Haj twice, stalked women and brought up in
A Taliban household.

Claiming otherwise is just absurd silly and makes those who do look foolish.

[Ghost in the Machine]

14. So you are still at it, huh??

All those groups were Islamic

Really?? I hadn't noticed... /sarcasm..

All homophobic

That's a given, seeing as they are Islamic Extremists...

All claimed by the shooter

Yet some are rivals, fighting AGAINST each other....

But it has nothing to do with Islam

Not necessarily, anyone can 'name-drop', but when you claim groups that are at war with each other, it's as silly as saying that you support the Klan *and* the SPLC...

That's just absurd.

To SOME people...

Better a self hating Gay , than the truth?

When the "truth" is conflicting, and YOU don't believe that anyone can be "self loathing", yeah, I can still run with that...

I remember you from the other day, and I can't make observations, or have beliefs, because I'm straight, remember? You even went so far as to call me homophobic. I'm not playing your game, whatever it is, and certainly not taking the bait you're casting out, so the discussion with you ends right here. I hope you have a pleasant evening...

Peace,

Ghost

[King_David]

22. Bye

[Darb]

37. Bawk bawk bawk bakaaaaawk!

Bawk.

[King_David]

38. ?

[ck4829]

32. It's going to feel kind of surreal when we have another 'normal' spree shooter

As in Jason Dalton or Adam Lanza.

No discussion of religion, ideology, politics, allegiances, etc. No attempt to even delve into it by authorities, media, or even us.

Just 'mentally ill', end of discussion.

[uponit7771]

19. They hate Islam... so wingerish

[MosheFeingold]

36. Please

I agree with the gay (presumably, going by his avatar) poster who pointed out how quick people are to call LGBT "crazy" or "self-loathing" and the like. I learned quite a bit from him.

Let's look at the evidence, shall we:

1. His father is a member of the Taliban and clearly pretty radical himself.
2. He has a long history of marginally violent acts/outbursts in the name of Islam.
3. He was so clearly on the path the radicalization THAT MEMBERS OF HIS OWN MOSQUE REPORTED HIM TO THE FBI.
4. He associated with a number of ISIS members, including the guy who ended up being the most violent suicide bomber in the history of the Syrian conflict.
5. He listened to the recruiter Iman for ISIS on a regular basis
6. He planned this out for a while, giving his house to his brother-in-law a couple of months in advance
7. His wife has about a long an association with terrorists as him
8. HE FRICKING SAID --- NOT ONCE, BUT THREE TIMES --- on Facebook, to people he attacked, and on 911 calls --- that he was doing the attack (paraphrasing) "in the name of ISIS, in revenge for bombing of women and children in Syria."

Get a clue. This is not a "gay" thing.

I guess the LGTB groups need to join us Jews under the Progressive Bus, as they've been thrown under here with us in the name of denial about radical Islam.

It's OK. We have latkes down here.

[King_David]

47. Agreed

And being Jewish and Gay , I know exactly what you're talking about.

[flamingdem]

15. Anyone could say they were his lover

Just a tad suspicious that those people know they can make money by connecting themselves to the case.

[rockfordfile]

26. What money?

[flamingdem]

33. Selling to tabloids, tv appearances

books, movies.. unfortunately the curious are legion and gullible.

[Prism]

20. Something isn't adding up

If this was a demented form of racial revenge of the jilted, why case Disney? That's the part of this story that's leaving a bit of a splinter in my noggin. According to the wife, he explored a variety of venues. If this was out of revenge towards gay Latino men, why explore other venues and options when he had this ready-made target all teed up to go?

This anonymous person's testimony seems awfully pat to me, almost retroactively designed to fit what happened. It's just too . . . perfect.

It's not to say it's not the truth. It very well may be, but I'm going to want a bit of confirming evidence here. Texts, app conversations, mails from dating sites. The FBI can obtain these things (many apps retain your messages in their database after you delete them).

And then there's the testimony from the Muslim man who reported him to the FBI. He was actively seeking out and consuming radical Islamist propaganda to the point a fellow Muslim was concerned enough to report him. And then, while doing the deed, he wants to ensure his Islamic ties are known.

It seems like people are trying to assign a singular motive in whatever direction suits their agenda.

I don't think it was one thing. I think this guy was an absolute mess, and that we are staring at a cocktail of potential self-loathing wrought of religious upbringing, racial issues, and contact with radicalization.

Everyone wants to go, "Was he A or B?" My answer at this point is - he was all of the above.

[Behind the Aegis]

27. Maybe he just couldn't get it together in time.

The Gay Days festival started with a theme park visit, and theme park visits remain one of the most popular Gay Days activities. Always the first Saturday in June, Gay Day in the Magic Kingdom (at Walt Disney World) is still the signature event of the week. An estimated 50,000 red-shirted Gay Days attendees pack Walt Disney World's original park on that 1st Saturday in June. The 3 o'clock parade down Main Street always draws an unforgettable "sea of red" that can be seen from one end of the park to the other.

Many Gay Days vacationers also like to plan some time to visit Disney's other parks (Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios).
https://www.gaydays.com/Guide-to-Gay-Days/guide-to-gay-days.html

The shooting, of course, took place the next Saturday!

[Prism]

28. Two things

1. He scoped out the place after Gay Days

and 2

2. Gay Days is by far a bunch of white gays.

It doesn't fit the motive.

[Behind the Aegis]

29. And...

1. Omar Mir Seddique Mateen's visits to the Pulse gay nightclub and Disney Springs happened between June 1 and June 6, a law enforcement official said Tuesday. Gay Days 2016 celebrations took place at Walt Disney World and other Orlando locations between May 31 and June 6. CNN

2. And?

What are you saying?

[malaise]

39. All the 'profiing experts' know this makes way more sense

but you know it doesn't suit certain agendas.

[BeyondGeography]

41. Some potential corroboration here

http://www.tmz.com/2016/06/23/omar-mateen-gay-hotel-surveillance-cameras-fbi/

[malaise]

42. Truth will out

The meme on this one makes no sense and is way too convenient for the RW agenda.

[Behind the Aegis]

40. Speculation

But it will serve the homophobic agenda some clearly have. Eventually, it will all be sorted.

[King_David]

46. It's rubbish...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141498856

[King_David]

45. Rubbish

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141498856