Pulse Nightclub, the site what is now the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, is one of Orlando’s most popular gay clubs with a “hip dance club” vibe, go-go dancers, and drag performers floating throughout its parties.
The club, however, meant much more than a fun place to spend a Saturday night to one of its owners. Barbara Poma, a co-owner of the club, established the venue in honor of her brother, John, who died of AIDS.
“It was important to create an atmosphere that embraced the gay lifestyle with décor that would make John proud. Most importantly, [we] coined the name Pulse for John’s heartbeat — as a club that is John’s inspiration, where he is kept alive in the eyes of his friends and family,” a description of the club reads, according to USA Today.
Saturday at Pulse was Latin night, according to a flier on Poma’s Facebook page. Last Saturday, June 4th, included performances by Mimi Marks, Kenya Michael, Jessica Wild, and Lady Janet. Orlando’s Gay Days celebration wrapped a week prior to the deadly shooting on June 12.
Scenes From the Tragic Aftermath of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub Shooting
Police officers direct family members away from a shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016. Phelan M. Ebenhack—APPolice and forensics investigators work at the crime scene of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016. Carlo Allegri—Reuters Friends and family members embrace outside the Orlando Police Headquarters during the investigation of a shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 13, 2016. Steve Nesius—ReutersPolice investigate the Pulse nightclub following a mass shooting in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMETatiana Osorio cries while giving blood at the OneBlood blood center near the mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 13, 2016. Osorio lost three friends in the shooting. David Goldman—APA memorial honors the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla., on June 13, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEA woman reacts as authorities investigate Pulse following a mass shooting in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEA reporter pauses at the Hampton Inn where relatives of victims gather for information in Orlando, Fla., on
June, 12, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEA remembrance for Eric Rivera, killed in the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub, sits amongst a makeshift memorial for the victims in Orlando, Fla., on June 13, 2016.David Goldman—APMourners attend a makeshift vigil for victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla., on June 13, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEHundreds of people gather at a memorial outside of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla., on June 13, 2016.John Taggart—EPAA memorial honors victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla., on June 13, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEA mourner attends a makeshift vigil and a moment of silence for victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEReporters wait to interview relatives of victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla., on June 13, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMESeddique Mateen, father of Pulse nightclub gunman Omar Mateen, outside his home in Port Saint Lucie, Fla., on June 14, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEPresident Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden depart a makeshift memorial after placing flowers in memory of shooting victims of the massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 16, 2016. Carlos Barria—ReutersMourners attend a makeshift vigil and a moment of silence for victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIME
Reviews of Pulse reveal a typical party scene — tight dance floors and a fun atmosphere. “Aside from the DJ playing always modern and upbeat music, the bar’s staff is one of the key draws to Pulse,” one Yelp reviewer said.
The suspected shooter’s father said his son, Omar Mateen, was not motivated by religion. His father instead says his son was angered by the sight of two men kissing during a trip to Miami. “We are saying we are apologizing for the whole incident. We weren’t aware of any action he is taking. We are in shock like the whole country,” Mir Seddique told NBC News.
