Stanley Almodovar, who was one of the 50 killed by Omar Mateen at the pulse club
Pictures of the young men were released along with their names as the depth of the tragedy – which also left 53 injured – began to sink in.But the Florida police asked members of the public not to hold vigils for the dead, possibly over fears of more violence.
The force tweeted: “We understand our community is grieving and vigils are being planned, but PLEASE hold off on vigils.”
They said such services “represent a serious strain on our limited resources”.
So far 15 victims aged between 20 and 50 have been publicly identified, including revellers and at least one employee at the club.
Seven of them have now been pictured, the first of whom was Stanley Almodovar, 23.
Mr Almodovar III’s mother had prepared a tomato-and-cheese dip for him to eat when he came home from his night out.
Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20, who died in the shooting
Eric Ivan Ortiz Rivera, 36
Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22
Luis S. Vielma, 22, a production assistant at Disaster Films and ride operator at area parks
Edward Sotomayor, 34, has been confirmed dead
Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22
The other victims are:
- Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30.
- Darryl Roman Burt II, 29.
- Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32.
- Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21.
- Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25.
- Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35.
- Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50.
They were all murdered in cold blood by ISIS-sympathiser gunman Mateen, 29 – America’s worst ever mass shooter – and his father said he may have been motivated by his mounting anger at seeing two men kissing in Miami.
Despite Omar Mateen pledging allegiance to Islamic State in 911 calls before the massacre, his father Mir Seddique said his son was motivated by homophobia.