After more than a year of investigation into the tragic events that unfolded at Pulse nightclub in 2016, authorities have concluded that the former owners, Rosario and Barbara Poma, will not be charged with involuntary manslaughter. According to a report by WFTV, the Orlando Police Department examined allegations from survivors and victims' families, who argued that code violations and unauthorized renovations contributed to the extent of the carnage during the attack.
In the wake of receiving 23 written statements, many from those directly affected by the massacre, authorities delved into the claims. The survivors contended, with serious concern, that if not for the ignored code violations, a greater number of individuals might have been spared from harm or death. However, in its findings, the Orlando Police Department report stated, as per WFTV, "Even if it could be proven some of the victims killed at Pulse would have survived if it were not for these alleged building and fire code violations, the wrongdoing of Omar Mateen would supersede any possible criminal liability the Poma’s could have had."
While the investigation by the Orlando Police concluded without criminal charges, it did shed light on certain oversights. As reported by WESH, there had been unpermitted alterations to the building, and the city of Orlando's permitting division had not compelled the Pulse owners to resolve these violations retroactively. Furthermore, the city failed to enforce the club's Conditional Use Permit properly required for operation.
In addressing the complaints over the lack of floor plans, which reportedly hindered the police response, the Orlando Police Department investigation found that accurate floor plans for Pulse nightclub were not on file with the city. However, this did not impede the swift action taken by the authorities on the tragic night. Officers familiar with Pulse's layout from past security details were able to guide their colleagues, ultimately rescuing some 90 people from within the premises during the gruesome standoff.
