Gunman Opens Fire at Orlando Nightclub

Police direct family members away from the scene of multiple shootings at a nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016.

Officials said a hostage situation developed after the gunman stormed the Pulse Nightclub about 2 a.m Sunday. The assailant was shot dead about three hours later when a SWAT team entered the club, police said.

A woman with blood on her legs stands on the street with others near the Pulse Nightclub.

An Orlando police officer was hit in the hail of gunfire as a SWAT team entered the club and killed the assailant. According to Orlando Police, this Kevlar helmet saved the officer's life.

Bystanders wait down the street from the nightclub.

Police vehicles surround the nightclub. 

The incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism, officials said

Friends and family members embrace outside the Orlando Police Headquarters during the investigation of the shootings. 

Emergency personnel wait with stretchers at the emergency entrance to Orlando Regional Medical Center hospital for the arrival of patients from the nightclub. 

Ray Rivera, a DJ at Pulse Orlando nightclub, is consoled by a friend, outside of the Orlando Police Department. 

FBI agents investigate near the damaged rear wall of the Pulse Nightclub.

A police officer stands guard outside the Orlando Regional Medical Center, just a few blocks from the nightclub.

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