What Happened to Pulse Nightclub Shooting?
The Pulse Nightclub shooting, which occurred on June 12, 2016, was a devastating act of domestic terrorism and hate crime at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, resulting in 49 deaths and 53 injuries. A decade later, the City of Orlando has taken over the development of a permanent memorial at the site, with demolition of the original building completed in March 2026 and construction expected to finish by September 2027.
Quick Answer
The Pulse Nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016, was a mass shooting and hate crime at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Orlando, Florida, where 49 people were killed and 53 were wounded by Omar Mateen. The attack, which Mateen pledged to ISIS, was the deadliest incident of violence against LGBTQ+ people in U.S. history. As of June 2026, the City of Orlando is actively developing a permanent memorial at the former club site, with the original building demolished in March 2026 and the memorial design 60% complete, aiming for a September 2027 opening. The 10th anniversary in June 2026 is being marked by various remembrance events.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Pulse Nightclub Shooting Occurs
Omar Mateen opens fire at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and injuring 53 others. The attack is later deemed an act of terrorism and a hate crime.
Shooter Calls 911, Pledges Allegiance to ISIS
During the attack, Omar Mateen calls 911, pledging allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and referencing U.S. airstrikes as a motive.
Police Breach and Shooter Killed
After a three-hour hostage standoff, SWAT teams breach the club wall with explosives and an armored vehicle. Omar Mateen is killed in a shootout with law enforcement.
OnePULSE Foundation Established
Barbara Poma, owner of Pulse, announces the creation of the OnePULSE Foundation to independently fund a memorial and museum.
Noor Salman Acquitted
Omar Mateen's wife, Noor Salman, is acquitted of charges of aiding and abetting and obstruction of justice related to the shooting.
City of Orlando Purchases Pulse Property
After the OnePULSE Foundation's memorial plans falter, the City of Orlando purchases the Pulse nightclub property for $2 million, committing to build a permanent memorial.
OnePULSE Foundation Dissolves
The OnePULSE Foundation formally dissolves amid financial woes and lack of progress on the memorial, transferring responsibility to the City of Orlando.
Florida Recovers Grant Funds from OnePULSE
The Florida Department of State announces the recovery of $394,321 in taxpayer funds from the OnePULSE Foundation, which failed to fulfill grant requirements for the memorial.
Original Pulse Sign Removed
Crews carefully remove the iconic Pulse Nightclub sign as part of the preparations for the demolition of the building and construction of the permanent memorial.
Demolition of Pulse Nightclub Building Begins
Demolition of the original Pulse nightclub building commences, clearing the site for the permanent memorial.
Memorial Design Reaches 60% Completion
The City of Orlando unveils new renderings and announces that the permanent Pulse memorial design is 60% complete, including plans for a visitor center and repurposed club elements.
10th Anniversary Remembrance
Orlando and communities worldwide mark the 10th anniversary of the Pulse shooting with various remembrance events, including exhibits, ceremonies, and vigils, honoring the 49 victims.
Memorial Construction Expected to Begin
Construction on the permanent Pulse memorial is anticipated to begin, with a budget of $12 million.
Memorial Completion Expected
The permanent Pulse memorial is projected to be completed and open to the public, providing a dedicated space for remembrance and reflection.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
On June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen opened fire at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, during its popular 'Latin Night.' The attack resulted in the deaths of 49 people and injuries to 53 others, making it the deadliest incident of violence against LGBTQ+ people in U.S. history and the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11 at the time. Mateen, a 29-year-old security guard, called 911 during the rampage to pledge allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, stating the attack was triggered by U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria.
The incident began around 2:02 a.m. when Mateen entered the club and started shooting. An off-duty officer engaged him, but Mateen retreated, leading to a three-hour hostage situation in a bathroom. Police negotiators spoke with Mateen multiple times. Around 5:02 a.m., SWAT teams breached a wall with explosives and an armored vehicle, leading to a shootout where Mateen was killed. The majority of the victims were of Latino descent, highlighting the intersectional impact on the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities.
In the aftermath, the OnePULSE Foundation was established by club owner Barbara Poma to create a permanent memorial and museum. However, the foundation faced challenges, including scrutiny over its management and a lack of progress on the memorial, eventually leading to its dissolution in late 2023. The State of Florida also recovered unspent taxpayer funds from the foundation in January 2024.
Following the foundation's dissolution, the City of Orlando purchased the Pulse nightclub property for $2 million in October 2023, committing to building a permanent memorial. Demolition of the original Pulse building commenced in March 2026, marking a significant step towards the memorial's construction. As of May 2026, the memorial's design is 60% complete, with plans for a reflecting pool, healing garden, survivor's wall, and the incorporation of salvaged elements from the original club. Construction is slated to begin in September 2026, with an estimated completion by September 2027.
The 10th anniversary of the tragedy, on June 12, 2026, is being observed with numerous remembrance ceremonies, exhibits, and community events across Orlando and beyond, honoring the victims and reflecting on the enduring impact on the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing fight for gun violence prevention and LGBTQ+ rights. Discussions around gun control continue, with some advocating for stronger measures while others in Florida debate the constitutionality of existing waiting periods for firearm purchases.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Pulse Nightclub Shooting made different choices?