Orlando Shooting Victim Recalls Horrifying Moment Gunman Returned to Kill Him
— -- A victim of the horrific shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub recounted the moment the gunman burst into the club and started shooting.
Angel Colon told reporters today he was at the Pulse nightclub early Sunday morning saying goodbye to friends when Omar Mateen burst in and started shooting.
"Out of nowhere we hear a big shot, and then we stop what we're doing, and it keeps going," Colon told reporters today at Orlando Regional Medical Center. He was shot three times in a leg and fell to the floor, he said.
"I tried to get back up, but everyone started running everywhere, and I got trampled over," Colon said. "I shattered and broke my bones on my left leg."
After his injuries, Colon couldn't move and was left on the floor as the gunman continued through the club.
"All I could hear was the shotgun, one after another," Colon said, referring to the gunshots. Authorities said Mateen was armed with a rifle and a handgun. "People screaming, people running for help."
Colon said he initially he thought he was safe after the first round of gunfire, but the gunman later returned.
"Unfortunately, I hear him come back, and he’s shooting everyone dead on the floor, making sure they’re dead," Colon said. "I was able to see him shooting at everyone. I can hear the [shots getting] closer, and I look over, and he shoots the girl next to me."
As the gunman approached a second time, Colon managed to not react.
"I think I’m next, I’m dead," Colon said of seeing the gunman return. "By the glory of God, he shoots, and it hits my hand, and then he shoots again, and he hits my hip."
Colon said that at that point he believes the gunman faced off with police and he was left on the ground. Eventually, a police officer found him and dragged him to safety.
"I’m grateful for him, but the floor is covered in glass," Colon recounted. "I don’t feel pain, but I just feel all this blood on me."
He was taken to the trauma center at Orlando Regional Hospital, where he continues to recover from his injuries.
"If it wasn't for you guys, I wouldn't be here," Colon said to the staff of the hospital, his voice shaking with emotion. "I will love you guys forever."
