'We have a lot down in here': Helicopter video shows panic at Pulse after mass shooting

Radio transmissions detail efforts to rescue victims

ORLANDO, Fla. – Helicopter video filmed above Pulse shows first responders coordinating rescue efforts and working to breach the nightclub in the minutes after the mass shooting began the morning of June 12.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office video was released Monday afternoon. It begins at 2:10 a.m., about eight minutes after gunman Omar Mateen fired the first shots on the dance floor.

The video shows first responders crouching outside the perimeter of the club as they develop a strategy on how to apprehend the shooter and how to get the victims out to safety.

"We need to start getting these injured out. We have a lot down in here. He (Mateen) is trapped in the bathroom," a deputy said in a radio transmission at 2:15 a.m.

Responding authorities originally thought there were 25 people injured. They later found that 49 people were killed and another 53 were injured in the barrage of gunfire. Authorities also, at one point, thought there was a second shooter in the club, but that information turned out to be false.

As survivors trickled out, deputies said it was essential that they talk to any potential witnesses to find out further information about the shooter.

"He's wounded and he came out of the bathroom. We need to talk to him and get as much information as possible," a deputy said.

At 2:32 a.m., a pickup truck pulls up outside the club and deputies load victims into the back so they can be transported to local hospitals. The fire department was so overwhelmed that the Ford F-150 was used as a makeshift ambulance, officials said.

Radio transmissions detail the efforts to rescue patrons who were trapped inside the building.

"Advise them to open the door with their hands up and we will extract them," a deputy tells a 911 operator who is on the phone with a victim who is in the upstairs office.

By 2:35 a.m., all of the critically injured were removed from the club other than the ones who were being held hostage in the bathrooms, eight who were hiding in the west dressing room and four dancers in the north dressing room.

Five minutes later, Mateen calls 911 and confesses to the operator that he is the shooter.

"(He) says he pledges to the Islamic State, that's all we're getting out of him right now," a 911 operator said.

At 2:47 a.m., authorities identified the person on the phone as Mateen.

Shortly after authorities learned that Mateen said he may have been wearing a bomb at 2:48 a.m. dispatch tried to find a bomb dog to investigate. Mateen also said there were bombs in vehicles around the club.

“Guys, we’re getting a report that someone in the bathroom may have an explosive strapped to him,” an officer said over radio. “Just so you know, in the building, you may not want to stay there."

The closest K-9 bomb unit available, from the University of Central Florida, was 45 minutes away at 2:56 a.m., according to radio transmissions.

At 4:09 a.m. a K-9 unit found Mateen’s vehicle.

The video continues as authorities work to find a way into the club, examining roofs and windows for any openings. At 5:14 a.m., SWAT officers can be seen using a ram to bust their way into the south bathroom. 

The video is completely redacted at 5:15 a.m. when SWAT team members exchanged gunfire with Mateen in the hallway near the bathroom where he had kept hostages for hours. The gun battle left the suspect dead and allowed first responders to access the 18 final victims inside the club.

The struggle to treat and transport victims continues. Officers can be seen rolling stretchers to and from the area.

“Bring more gurneys up to the Dunkin' Donuts on the south side, more gurneys," a deputy said at 5:20 a.m. "Anything that can bring wounded to the hospital, we need.” 

Deputies confirmed all of the victims were out of Pulse at 5:27 a.m.

"Hey, I believe all the victims we can get are out so move back to a safe location please. Get away from the SWAT truck, move back to hard cover," a deputy said.

The radio transmissions grow less frequent as deputies examine the aftermath of the worst mass shooting in recent U.S. history. The helicopter spotter still scans the outside of the club and the city blocks surrounding it.

Another perimeter is set up at 5:41 a.m. so authorities can examine Mateen's vehicle for explosives and any other evidence. No bombs were found.

The video ends at 5:57 a.m., nearly four hours after the massacre began.


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