MIAMI (WSVN) - A report about blocked exits before the rampage at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando has been brought to light.
Text messages exchanged between the Orlando fire and police chiefs after the shooting reveal one or two exits at the club were blocked by a soda machine.
The club, however, has six exits, which is more than double the amount needed to accommodate a maximum occupancy of 300 patrons.
The exits were last checked in May, where one of the doors was found inoperable. A follow-up check by the fire department has been scheduled for July 1.
The gunman, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people during the massacre.
His father released the following statement Tuesday: “I, Seddique Mateen, and the family condemn and whole-heartedly apologize to the victims and the people of the United States of America for what has happened. Omar does not represent the family, community and Muslims in the United States. Terrorist groups such as ISIS and the Taliban are always rejected by us.”
An attorney for the owner of the nightclub refutes the report of blocked exits and said that only a bulb in the “exit” sign needed to be replaced and a fire extinguisher needed to be hung on a wall.
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