FBI says Orlando gunman likely inspired by foreign terrorist organizations

Omar Mateen killed 49, wounded 53, using AR-15

WASHINGTON — FBI Director James Comey says the gunman in the Orlando nightclub attack that killed 49 people had “strong indications of radicalization” and was likely inspired by foreign terrorist organizations. 

Comey told reporters Monday that Omar Mateen spoke with a 911 operator three times early Sunday morning. Mateen also pledged loyalty to the head of the Islamic State group on his last call, Comey said.

The FBI investigated Mateen for 10 months beginning in May 2013. Comey said investigators later introduced him to confidential sources, followed him and reviewed details of some of his communications. 

The early Sunday attack, at the popular gay nightclub called Pulse, marked the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, killing 49 and wounding 53 others. Mateen, who used an AR-15 – a civilian variant of the military’s M-16 series of rifle and carbines – died in a gun battle with police. 

Senate Democrats say they will try forcing a vote on making it harder for suspected terrorists or people on the government’s terror watch lists to buy guns.

Democrats said they would offer the same legislation that the Senate rejected last December by California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein. 

It would let the government block guns sales to people on terrorism watch lists or to those it suspects of possible terror activities. 

The vote could come this week. 

Spokesman Donald Stewart said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will comment on Orlando when the Senate convenes Monday.