Pulse nightclub was broken into overnight — just hours after authorities stopped guarding the building for the last month after the June 12 mass shooting, Orlando Police confirmed Thursday.

  • Pulse nightclub broken into overnight, police say
  • The club was turned back over to the owners Wednesday
  • Unclear if anything was stolen, vandalized, detectives say

The burglary is believed to have happened around 3 a.m., police say. Pulse owners called 911 around 9 a.m. Thursday after noticing a vehicle gate was opened during the overnight hours. When employees walked around the building, they noticed the door was pried open.

Pulse has been closed and fenced off since the June 12 mass shooting. 

Investigators said the burglars were able to force the plywood away from the screws that were attached to a metal door.

“It’s pretty sick," Amanda Walker said, who was visiting the memorial outside the nightclub. It’s actually really sick.”

Throughout Thursday afternoon, crime scene investigators went into the club and met with the owners.

“You could tell that they were kind of frustrated, a little PO’d that this happened," Walker said. "That they’re down here going after people that have broken into here. It’s bad. It’s really bad.”

Many of the people outside who have been coming to honor the 49 victims killed and see the growing memorial were shocked to learn that anyone would break into the nightclub.

“This is a place where people come to mourn, to grieve and to just be together," said Stacy Osborne. "So to take that and to have someone come here and do something evil again is just not good.”

The Orlando Police Department said while the night club does have an alarm system which includes interior cameras, the system was not activated that night.

Police have not said how many suspects may be involved.

We spoke with Rosario Poma, one of the owners of the Pulse nightclub. He said there were no signs of vandalism or anything stolen inside. So why would anyone aim to make this site of tragedy another crime scene? He said he thinks the burglars broke in to take pictures. 

Another owner, Barbara Poma, sent this statement:

"Since June 12, we have seen the worst and best of human behavior. We are disappointed that someone felt compelled to violate the privacy of our beloved Pulse Night Club and the sacred place it has now become. We have faith in the Orlando Police Department and its investigation of this break-in. The club will continue to remain closed to the public as we work to plan the future of Pulse."