Report exonerates owner of Pulse nightclub of all allegations
Eight years after the tragic mass shooting in June 2016, the owners of the Pulse nightclub will not be charged with manslaughter following an investigation by Orlando police, according to a new report released today.
ORLANDO, Florida. – Eight years after the tragic mass shooting in June 2016, the owners of the Pulse nightclub will not be charged with manslaughter following an investigation by Orlando police, according to a new report released today.
The investigation began over a year ago and included interviews with 23 people who believed Barbara and Rosario Poma, Pulse's former owners, should be charged with manslaughter. The allegations centered on alleged building code violations and unapproved renovations that some believe may have contributed to the high death toll.
The five main allegations included:
- Orlando police did not have access to the construction plans during the three-hour hostage situation.
- Unauthorized renovations were carried out in the nightclub.
- Pulse has a history of occupancy violations in the past.
- The nightclub was operating under a license for a restaurant and bar, not a club.
- There are said to have been security deficiencies.
After a thorough investigation, Orlando Police determined that it is not standard procedure for the department to have immediate access to floor plans of private businesses, bars and clubs in the city. They also concluded that this did not hinder law enforcement's response to the terrorist attack. In addition, an officer who had been working off-duty at Pulse was able to provide an accurate floor plan during the incident.
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The investigation confirmed that unauthorized renovations were being carried out inside and outside Pulse, but the nightclub was in compliance with occupancy regulations during 82% of unannounced inspections conducted by the Orlando Fire Department between 2005 and 2016.
The tragedy at the Pulse nightclub left 49 people dead and 53 others injured. The FBI classified the attack as one of the deadliest in the United States since September 11.
Orlando police concluded that the Pomas' actions did not demonstrate a reckless disregard for human life, nor could they have foreseen a terrorist attack at their club. The report emphasized that Omar Mateen, who fired 267 shots that night, was solely responsible for the attack and that his actions negated any potential criminal liability the Pomas might have had.
The case was closed. A representative of the Pomas stated that they would not comment.
