A man armed with a handgun and an assault rifle was rampaging through the gay nightclub just south of downtown Orlando, in shootings that police said killed 50.
Police posted social media updates. Bar owners warned patrons as the chaos subsided that they would post updates as they get them.
For all of their flaws, many quickly turn to social media sites like Twitter and Facebook for immediate updates in tragic situations, said Shelley Costello, a social media consultant in Orlando. “Everyone, especially people 35 and under, get their news there,” “This is the news source of the world today. This was trending on social media way before it hit TV.”
“I applaud the agencies that have a strong presence on social media,” Costello said. “They have to communicate with the public and the public is on Twitter.”
The attack on Pulse shooting came shortly after the unrelated shooting death of singer Christina Grimmie in Orlando early Saturday morning after a concert.
But even before most people knew her identity, Orlando Police Department had sent a Tweet saying they were en route to the general area.
“PIO enroute to Amelia St and Bumby Ave,” referencing the intersection just north of The Plaza Live.
Officers would find that a gunman had attended Grimmie’s show and shot her during an autograph session afterward.
Social media can often be used in an abusive way.
However, as the communities have grown, they can also help.
Facebook recently developed a system that helps people let others know they are safe. The company did that on Sunday for Orlando-area Facebook users.
With one click, people can tell friends they are “safe during The Shooting in Orlando, Florida.” When they do, friends get notified that users have marked themselves safe.
“That is very powerful,” Costello said.
———
©2016 The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.)
Visit The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) at www.OrlandoSentinel.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
