On June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen opened fire at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., effectively resulting in the death of 49 innocent individuals, whilst injuring another 53. Some of the survivors are now pressing charges against the city and their police force, claiming that they did not do enough to try and stop the shooter from massacring patrons within the establishment.
More than 35 victims have signed on as plaintiffs, and are accusing the city and its officers of violating Constitutional rights on behalf of those who were either murdered or injured.
The plaintiffs believe that the police force should have confronted Mateen more aggressively. The lawsuit specifically pits the blame on Orlando Police Department Officer Adam Gruler, who worked an extra-duty shift whilst patrolling the nightclub that evening. He is accused of abandoning his post, which effectively allowed Mateen to enter the venue, survey the space, and walk out to retrieve his weapons of choice before re-entering.
The lawsuit also alleges that the survivors were treated like delinquents while the nightclub was under investigation. "The detainees were not permitted to use their phones, contact their loved ones, or leave. They were detained as though they were criminals, by these defendants despite there being not a shred of evidence nor any lawful basis to suspect that any of the detainees had committed a crime," reveals attorneys representing the plaintiffs.
Representatives for the city of Orlando and its police force have revealed that they have not yet seen the lawsuit. "We can’t comment on the substance of the litigation. On the morning of June 12, 2016, federal, state and local law enforcement officers and first responders put themselves in harm’s way to save as many lives as possible. Our first responders are committed to the safety of this community, and they stand ready to protect and serve."
