America's most evil gunman: What drove 'Islamic extremist' Omar Mateen, 29, to kill 50?

Omar Mateen slaughtered at least 50 people last night

THESE are the first pictures of Omar Mateen, the 'Islamic extremist' behind the worst mass shooting in US history.

Mateen, 29, opened fire at a gay nightclub last night – leaving at least 50 dead and injuring 53 others – because he was "angry" at the sight of two men kissing.
Officers in Orlando, Florida said Mateen, who had Afghan parents and had undergone weapons training, came from Port Saint Lucie in Florida.
The killer, who later shot dead in a gunfight with Swat officers, was not on the US terrorism list but was being investigated for another unrelated crime.

A Twitter account associated with Islamic State reportedly posted an image of Mateen following the sickening massacre.
The caption accompanying the photo read: "The man who carried out the Florida nightclub attack which killed 50 people and injured dozens."
Other accounts linked to ISIS celebrated the shootings, with one tweeting: "Stop killing Muslims in Iraq and Syria if you want to live in peace."
The terror group, also known as Daesh, is thought to have radicalised a Muslim couple who slaughted 14 in a separate attack in California last year.

The massacre took place at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando

The killer's father Mir Mateen said his family were in "shock" at the attack but insisted there was no religious motive.
He said: "We are saying we are apologizing for the whole incident. We weren't aware of any action he is taking. We are in shock like the whole country."
FBI spokesman Ron Hopper told a press conference this afternoon there are "suggestions" the gunman "may have leanings" toward jihadist ideology.

It is not known whether Mateen had links to Islamic State

Congressman Michael McCaul said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this senseless tragedy, their families and the people of Orlando.
"This appears to be the worst terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11.
"It is a sobering reminder that radical Islamists are targeting our country and our way of life. Americans will not be intimidated."

Orlando police have launched a probe into the shooting

Florida senator and ex-Presidental hopeful Marco Rubio said the attack was indicative of the way radical Islam views gay people and lesbians.
He told local media: "If you look at the nature of the attack, it doesn't take an enormous amount of coordination to do this.
"We have seen the way gays and lesbians are treated by radical Islam. So in some ways it's not surprising. I am confident the FBI and Homeland Security are on this."

Pulse, which describes itself as the "hottest gay club in Orlando", issued a statement on Facebook following the incident.
The nightspot posted: "Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love."
Fatriana Evans, who was outside when shots were fired, said she heard a "pop, pop, pop", describing the hail of bullets as like "fireworks".

Jackie Smith, whose friends were shot, said: "Some guy walked in and started shooting everybody. He had an automatic rifle, so nobody stood a chance."
Reveller, Christopher Hansen, who was in the VIP lounge of the club when he heard the gunshots, said: "I was thinking, 'Are you kidding me?'
"So I just dropped down. I just said, 'Please, please, please, I want to make it out.' And when I did I saw people shot, I saw blood."