Orlando: The New Hyde Park Connection

Omar Mateen, the Florida resident who died at the hands of local police after carrying out the deadliest mass murder spree in American history at an Orlando, FL nightclub, had a Long Island connection. And New Hyde Park was part of the story.
Mateen was born on Nov. 16, 1986 on the Queens side of New Hyde Park. Mateen lived briefly with his family in Westbury, before moving with them to Port Lucie, FL, where he attended high school. In Westbury, Mateen, according to published reports, attended Bowling Green Elementary School.
In August 2006, Mateen, who was born Omar Mir Seddique, formally requested to have his name changed to Omar Mir Seddique Mateen. It was on that request that he listed New Hyde Park as his birthplace.
On early Sunday morning June 12, Mateen entered the Pulse nightclub in downtown Orlando. After taking hostages in the club, Mateen, four hours later, was killed in an exchange with Orlando police. In all, 49 people were killed and dozens were injured.