June 14, 2016 – Sun Sentinel
by Tony Alanez
Two dozen news agencies, including the Sun Sentinel and Orlando Sentinel, have joined forces to demand the release of recordings of 911 callers frantically reporting a gunman on a deadly rampage early Sunday at a gay nightclub just south of downtown Orlando.
Shooter Omar Mateen’s “cool and calm” exchange with a 911 dispatcher while he was carrying out the assault that left 49 dead and 53 injured is among the requested recordings. Mateen, 29, died in an exchange of gunfire with police.
Citing an “ongoing investigation,” Orlando police have refused to release the tapes.
“Even in critical and challenging times, transparency is important,” said a four-page letter sent Tuesday to Orlando’s city attorney from media lawyer Rachel Fugate, of Thomas & LoCicero in Tampa. “It helps the citizens…have a better understanding of what transpired and try to come to grips with the horrific and unimaginable tragedy.” [READ MORE]