Multiple people have been shot at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, after a gunman reportedly barricaded himself inside with hostages. Police say the gunman is now dead.
South Orlando nightclub Pulse posted on Facebook at around 2am local time: "Everyone get out of Pulse and keep running."
Orlando Police called the incident a mass casualty situation. Police advised people to "stay away from the area". A crisis negotiator was at the scene.
Police later confirmed "the shooter inside the club is dead".
Local TV reporter Stewart Moore said more than 20 people had been shot. He said the suspect was reportedly wearing a bomb and had taken hostages. Bomb dogs and crews were walking the grounds at the scene.
Video posted online showed a large response by police and emergency vehicles outside the nightclub.
An explosion heard in the area of the shooting at around 5am was a controlled explosion by law enforcement, Orlando Police say.
Newshub.