Orlando killer warned police there would be further attacks

OMAR MATEEN, who slaughtered 49 people in Orlando, described himself as an “Islamic soldier” and warned that there would be more attacks in the coming days during a standoff with police.

The FBI released partial transcripts yesterday of three calls Mateen made to 911, the US emergency services number, during the three hours he was barricaded inside Pulse nightclub.

“I’m in Orlando and I did the shootings,” he said on the first call, as he alternated between English and Arabic.

Mateen identified himself as an Islamic soldier during the calls, and told hostage negotiators to tell the US to stop bombing Syria and Iraq.

Ronald Hopper, the FBI assistant special agent in charge, said: “While the killer made these murderous statements, he did so in a chilling, calm and deliberate manner.”

Mr Hopper said Mateen had been self-radicalised, with no known ties to any foreign terror groups.

The FBI said Mateen pledged his loyalty to the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (Isil) and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the group’s leader.

Transcripts of the conversations were initially redacted, with the FBI stating this was done for sensitivity to the interests of survivors and victims’ families, and the integrity of the investigation. It later explained that the redaction had been an “unnecessary distraction”.

The transcripts include multiple threats of further violence.

Mateen told a negotiator that he had explosives vests like those “used in France”, which he said he would strap to victims. He also said a van outside the club was packed with explosives. Police eventually determined he was bluffing.

He also said: “In the next few days, you’re going to see more of this type of action going on.”