As previously reported, Orlando terrorist Omar Mateen was a trained, licensed security guard who worked for the G4S. G4S is a security company contracted by the Department of Homeland Security to protect nuclear facilities and a number of federal buildings around the country, in addition to private security projects.
“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic event that occurred at the Orlando nightclub. We can confirm that Omar Mateen had been employed with G4S since September 10, 2007," G4S released to the Palm Beach Post after the attack. "We are cooperating fully with all law enforcement authorities, including the FBI, as they conduct their investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the friends, families and people affected by this unspeakable tragedy.”
Like most armed security positions, guards are required to go through extensive firearms training. Mateen was no different.
According to documents obtained by Judicial Watch, Mateen scored high marks on a number of firearms training range tests and was considered a marksman. Between 2007 and 2015, Mateen averaged 95 percent accuracy. He was killed by police the night of his rampage at Pulse Nightclub nearly two weeks ago after murdering 49 people and severely injuring dozens more.
The documents show that on September 7, 2007, Mateen underwent an initial 28 hours of classroom and firearms range training to receive his “Class G” statewide Florida firearms license. He completed that training using a Smith and Wesson.357 cal. revolver, and scored a 231 and 235 on his shooting range tests, out of a possible 240 (or 96% and 98%, respectively). His written exam scores were 100, 90 and 90.
His subsequent marksman tests show:
In July 2008, using a .38 cal. Smith and Wesson revolver, Mateen’s firearms range score, was 239 (99%).
In June 2009, Mateen scored 238 using a .38 cal. Smith and Wesson revolver. He received a written exam score of 100.
Mateen’s 2010 range score was 237 using the same type of weapon, and he scored 100 on the written exam.
In July 2011, Mateen scored 216 and 234 while using the same type of weapon and 100 on the written exam. In November, Mateen switched from a revolver to a 9mm. semi-automatic pistol, and scored 225.
In July 2013, he scored a 236 with a semi-automatic pistol and 100 on the written exam.
In August 2014, Mateen scored 223 on the range using a .38
A “Temporary Class ‘G’ License Checklist” completed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Regional Staff notes that Mateen’s employer, Wackenhut (before the firm changed its name to G4S Security Solutions (USA) in 2010), had “certified the applicant to be mentally and emotionally stable.”
Despite multiple complaints of statements about violence from colleagues, including statements about killing people, Mateen was never required by DHS contracted G4S to undergo additional psychological evaluation. While Mateen was required to qualify with a firearm each year of employment, the same requirement was not held for his psychological state. He passed one psychological test in 2007, his first year of employment. He passed seven firearms qualification tests, one each year.
Other documents obtained by Judicial Watch show Mateen was unable to hold a steady job before 2007, with a number of red flags in his employment record.
“These new records reveal that Omar Mateen was an expert marksman and had a spotty employment record,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton released in a statement. “This information raises new questions about how and why the Obama administration failed to stop Mateen before he committed his heinous act of terrorism.”
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