State Police: Despite Shooter's Mention Of Tsarnaevs, No Mass. Connection
BOSTON (CBS) -- Massachusetts State Police said Sunday that, despite the fact that the gunman in an attack that killed 50 people at an Orlando gay club early Sunday mentioned the Tsarnaev brothers, there was no connection between him and Massachusetts.
"The names of the gunman and his wife did not appear in any databases of potential terrorist suspects maintained by local authorities," Mass. State Police said in a statement. "However, law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts continue to work with federal authorities to learn more about the nature of the statement about the Tsarnaev brothers attributed to the Orlando terrorist."
The shooting and hostage situation at the Pulse nightclub -- which describes itself as "Orlando's hottest gay bar" -- left an estimated 50 people dead, including the gunman, and more than 50 injured, officials say.
CBS News reported that the suspected shooter, Omar Mateen, mentioned the Tsarnaev brothers when he called 911 and declared his allegiance to ISIS. Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev set off two bombs at the 2013 Boston Marathon, killing 3, and later killed MIT Police Officer Sean Collier.
Massachusetts State Police said in a statement that, in light of that news, they were sharing information with federal authorities--but they said there was no connection between the gunman and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans said his department is offering help and security to nightclubs in Boston in the wake of the shooting, which is now the largest in U.S. history.
"We have a lot of night clubs that are gay night clubs," said Evans. "We'll step up our presence, we'll do some outreach today."
Commissioner Evans said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh reached out to Orlando's mayor to offer assistance.
"The Mayor reached out quickly to the mayor of Orlando and obviously offered our prayers, as well as any service we could provide," said Evans. "Both logistically, as well as, heaven forbid, they need additional personnel."
"I'm sure there's a lot of people hurting down there, and there's a city grieving," he said.
Mayor Walsh's office said Sunday that there were no immediate plans to send any police or authorities to Florida to assist. They said Mayor Walsh had reached out as a courtesy, but aid from Boston was not yet deemed necessary.
Mayor Walsh said in a tweet Sunday morning that he and other officials are "heartbroken."
Walsh said a vigil would be held for the victims at City Hall Plaza at 6 p.m. Monday.
Gov. Charlie Baker offered his condolences to the victims.
"Our administration remains in constant contact with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, federal partners and law enforcement, and while there are no apparent threats to the Commonwealth, we will remain vigilant to ensure the public's safety and security," Gov. Baker said in a series of tweets Sunday.
Boston Pride said in a statement that they would be holding a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting at 4 p.m. Sunday at two Pride Week events in Boston: the Back Bay Block Party on St. James Avenue and at the Jamaica Plain Block Party on Perkins Street.
"Boston Pride extends our sympathies to the victims and families of the tragic Orlando nightclub massacre and we stand in unison with the LGBT community of Orlando to condemn this vicious act," the group said in a statement.
"Boston Pride is working closely with Boston Police Department to ensure the safety and security of all the patrons of the block parties, which are annual events to celebrate Pride Week."
Sen. Ed Markey said on Twitter that he was 'sickened' and 'devastated' by the attack, and thanked first responders.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports
