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2 killed as gunman goes berserk in Orlando

ORLANDO, Florida: Two people were killed and six were injured on Friday in the second mass shooting in the United States in as many days, with police still hunting for the gunman in Orlando, Florida.

Panicked people rushed from the office building as SWAT teams entered to try and track down the shooter, whose spree began less than 24 hours after a shooting rampage at a Texas military base left 13 dead.

Emergency officials said that of the eight people shot at, two had been killed. “Eight total victims, two are dead,” a Fire Department spokeswoman told AFP.

A police helicopter hovered over the scene, as dozens of police cars locked down the area surrounding the 16-storey Gateway Center, television images showed.

“It’s my understanding at this time that it’s one shooter,” said police spokeswoman Barbara Jones. “We’re still seeking the suspect.”

She said she could not confirm a report that he was an employee who worked at the center.

Gerry Gilgo, who works on the floor where the shooting occurred, told AP she was meeting a co-worker at the elevators for lunch. “She yelled there are gun shots! There are gun shots! Get back in your office,” Gilgo said.

Rows of ambulances lined up outside the building as police snipers took up positions and officers on foot and horseback searched the area. — Agencies

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