Orlando shooting: Gunman Omar Mateen complained of anti-Muslim harassment

The Orlando shooter responsible for the massacre of 49 people at a gay club in Florida last month had been taunted for being a Muslim, documents released on Monday revealed.

While working as a security guard at the St Lucie County courthouse in Fort Pierce, Omar Mateen was reportedly insulted by his fellow workers.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, he was called "evil" and a member of a "blood sucking cult". One co-worker said "We need to nuke all... Muslims" and another branded him "a f****** terrorist".

Mateen made the allegations in a complaint filed in 2013. He had been investigated by the FBI after claiming to have ties to the Boston Marathon bombing suspects and the Fort Hood shooter, but he told officers he'd made it up in an attempt to stop the taunts.

He was initially placed on an FBI terrorist watch list but investigators concluded he was not a terrorist.

He wrote in his complaint: "I love the United States. I'm 1000% pure American. I'm ready to give up my life defending the United States."

Mateen was shot dead by police after the June 12 massacre which was the worst mass shooting in modern US history.

Transcripts released by the FBI showed that he had called himself an "Islamic soldier" in calls with police during the three-hour siege.

In a 911 call, he pledged allegiance to the leader of Islamic State.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
related articles
Orlando shooting: why Christians must not stay quiet
Orlando shooting: why Christians must not stay quiet

Orlando shooting: why Christians must not stay quiet

Orlando shootings: There\'s only one answer to people who peddle hate
Orlando shootings: There's only one answer to people who peddle hate

Orlando shootings: There's only one answer to people who peddle hate

Do we need to talk about 'radical Islam'?
Do we need to talk about 'radical Islam'?

Do we need to talk about 'radical Islam'?

Orlando gunman told police he was an \'Islamic soldier\'
Orlando gunman told police he was an 'Islamic soldier'

Orlando gunman told police he was an 'Islamic soldier'

Ted Cruz accuses Obama administration of 'willful blindness' to threat of radical Islam

Ted Cruz accuses Obama administration of 'willful blindness' to threat of radical Islam

News
A three day journey by canoe to receive life-saving treatment from Mercy Ships
A three day journey by canoe to receive life-saving treatment from Mercy Ships

Most Madagascans cannot afford surgery, even on the rare occasions its available.

Drought insurance helps Nepal families survive food crisis
Drought insurance helps Nepal families survive food crisis

An innovative drought insurance scheme has provided emergency support to hundreds of vulnerable farming families in western Nepal

Britain has become ‘dangerously complacent’ over family breakdown
Britain has become ‘dangerously complacent’ over family breakdown

Dr Harry Benson, Research Director at the Marriage Foundation, said the latest official data on families and households pointed to a “profound social change” that had received little public attention despite long-term consequences for family stability and child wellbeing.

Church of Scotland issues slavery apology
Church of Scotland issues slavery apology

The Church of Scotland General Assembly said it was “grieved beyond telling” for the suffering inflicted.