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Orlando nightclub gunman Omar Mateen's father says he's stunned by possible act of terrorism by son

Posted at 8:52 AM, Jun 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-12 13:48:38-04

After 50 people were killed and more than 50 hurt in a mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub Sunday morning, the father of the gunman spoke to media and said he is just as shocked as the rest of the nation.

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"... We are apologizing for the whole incident," the father said. "We weren't aware of any action he is taking. We are in shock like the whole country.

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"This had nothing to do with religion," he said to NBC News.

An assault rifle was used in the shootings by Mateen, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen from Port St. Lucie, Fla.

RELATED: What we know about Omar Mateen, suspected Orlando nightclub shooter

It happened at Pulse, a gay nightclub in the popular tourist city. 

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