On June 12, 2016, 29-year-old Omar Mateen shocked the world by shooting 49 people dead in Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The results of his autopsy have recently revealed he was most likely a long term steroid user. Omar’s father, Seddique Mateen, originally from Afghanistan, has made some pretty strange comments since the tragedy including:
“Omar was a good boy.”
“Omar had become very angry seeing two men kissing.”
“Only God will judge gay people.”
“Islamic State should be destroyed.”
“The club should have had better security.”
Why did he do it?
According to Omar, he massacred these innocent people in the name of the Islamic State. However, Omar’s double life has also come to light since the shooting.
Recently, there have been many men who have said they recognize Omar as a club-goer. While some men have come forward claiming to have been his lovers. There were suggestions that Omar had been exposed to HIV. However, the autopsy has revealed he was HIV negative.
Only Omar himself can know the full reason why he carried out one of the deadliest attacks ever in the United States. Perhaps it was partly religious. Perhaps there was an inner-conflict between what he “should” be and who he actually was.
Others have called it a “hate crime.” Was it homophobia? Was it self-loathing for in fact being homosexual himself? Although there have been several witnesses come forward to say Omar did frequent the club and use social media to meet men, the police have not found any evidence of this on his phone as of yet. Of course, more evidence may come to light as the investigation goes on.
It certainly seems there were a lot of factors at play, including long-term steroid use. Steroids are widely associated with anger and impulsive behavior.
If only we could turn back time and bring all of those people back to life. If any good can come out of this tragedy, it should be kindness and acceptance of LGBT people within religion, families and society in general.
Watch fitness model Troy Adashun speak about the serious effects and dangers of steroids.
