ATF releases photos of types of guns used in Orlando shooting

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Wielding an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a handgun, Omar Mateen opened fire at the crowded Pulse Orlando club early Sunday in the deadliest shooting rampage in modern U.S. history. He was killed in a gun battle with a SWAT team after police used explosives and a small armored vehicle to punch a hole in a wall and allow dozens of club-goers to escape, police said.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released these images of guns which are similar to those used by Mateen. The photographs accompanying this story are not of the actual weapons involved in the shooting, as authorities are still processing those as evidence in this case.

Mateen bought at least two guns legally within the last week or so, according to Trevor Velinor with the ATF. He exchanged gunfire with 14 police officers at the club and took hostages at one point. In addition to the assault rifle and handgun, he had a weapon in his vehicle, police said.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina said officers held back for some time, because Mateen indicated he had a bomb vest. About 5 a.m., authorities sent in the SWAT team to rescue the remaining club-goers, Mina said.