Father Of Orlando Gunman Reveals Motives For Fatal Nightclub Shooting

Police continue their investigation into the Orlando shooting that left 50 people dead and more than 53 injured at Pulse nightclub in Florida. Amid the tragedy, the father of the gunman–who has been identified as Omar Mateen–has revealed his motives.

Mir Seddique told news sources his son was not driven by religious ideology, but instead, he grew irate after witnessing two men kissing in Miami a few months before the shooting took place.

Understanding the severity of the situation, Seddique offered his apologies to all of the victims. “We’re apologizing for the whole incident,” he wrote in an official statement to NBC. “We weren’t aware of any action he is taking. We are in shock like the whole country. This had nothing to do with religion.”

Authorities have previously reported Mateen is suspected to have acted alone when he opened fire with an assault weapon and handgun on the nightclub. Mateen is cited to have strong convictions of the Islamic faith. Suspicions of terrorist activity heightened following an ISIS news agency taking responsibility for the attack, as reported by CNN. The gunman also allegedly pledged his allegiance to the organization. Mateen’s connection to the terrorist group has not been confirmed thus far however, despite claims formed by the FBI.

Stay tuned as the story continues to develop.