We haven’t seen this confirmed by law enforcement sources yet, but Senator Bill Nelson of Florida said — to multiple networks — that Omar Mateen has been linked to “Islamic radicalism” and “ISIS”:
Sen. Bill Nelson says "intelligence committee staff" believes there is "some connection to ISIS" but that's "not official." #Orlando
— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) June 12, 2016
On CNN, Rep. Adam Schiff says #Orlando shooter pledged allegiance to ISIS. Sen. Bill Nelson echoes this. If true, not at all surprising.
— Sadanand Dhume (@dhume) June 12, 2016
UPDATE: Sen. Bill Nelson says FBI in charge of investigation in #Orlando. Says counterterrorism officials found links between shooter & ISIS
— Jaclyn Kelley (@JKelleyTV) June 12, 2016
Sen. Bill Nelson says #PulseNightclub gunman may have ties to ISIS, according to his intelligence. pic.twitter.com/reqYs6saX7
— WPEC CBS12 News (@CBS12) June 12, 2016
Sen. Bill Nelson tells @ABC there "appears to be a link to Islamic radicalism" https://t.co/1IBLUiv1GJ https://t.co/p7CsgyFYyo
— ABC News (@ABC) June 12, 2016
Now, how about some confirmation from the FBI?
Also of note, RedState is reporting that Rep. Adam Schiff, referencing local law enforcement sources, said on CNN that Mateen “made a pledge of allegiance to ISIL” and was heard “praying in a foreign language.” Schiff went on to reiterate that his information was “second hand” and not confirmed:
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