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Pulse: The Untold Story
Pulse: The Untold Story, an Audible Original from journalist Trevor Aaronson and Western Sound, investigates the Pulse nightclub shooting and raises startling questions about the FBI’s culpability.
In a gay nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen murdered 49 people and wounded 53 others. The attack was the deadliest act of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in US history and the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States since 9/11.
But there’s a story you haven’t heard. The FBI had a secret history with Omar Mateen and his father. To obscure that history, the FBI pushed a false story that the media dutifully carried—that the attacker was a secretly gay Islamist extremist who had chosen to target Pulse and planned the attack for weeks.
Through a relentless and thorough investigation, Aaronson uncovers the volatile relationship between Mateen and his father and how their troubled interactions with the FBI lead to a disturbing final question: Could the FBI have prevented the massacre?
Pulse: The Untold Story is a documentary like no other. It will leave you wondering if anything you’ve heard about this case is true.
Warning: This program contains descriptions of violence and death and includes recordings from 911 calls and police body cameras from the night of the tragedy. Listener discretion is advised.
In a gay nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen murdered 49 people and wounded 53 others. The attack was the deadliest act of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in US history and the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States since 9/11.
But there’s a story you haven’t heard. The FBI had a secret history with Omar Mateen and his father. To obscure that history, the FBI pushed a false story that the media dutifully carried—that the attacker was a secretly gay Islamist extremist who had chosen to target Pulse and planned the attack for weeks.
Through a relentless and thorough investigation, Aaronson uncovers the volatile relationship between Mateen and his father and how their troubled interactions with the FBI lead to a disturbing final question: Could the FBI have prevented the massacre?
Pulse: The Untold Story is a documentary like no other. It will leave you wondering if anything you’ve heard about this case is true.
Warning: This program contains descriptions of violence and death and includes recordings from 911 calls and police body cameras from the night of the tragedy. Listener discretion is advised.
Audiobook
Published July 11, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 1, 2024
It is so incredibly sad to listen to this book. It is as graphic as you would expect, when it details the deadliest mass shooting in Orlando, Florida at the Pulse nightclub.
Informative and shocking. The most disturbing part for me was how long it took police to enter the nightclub, where the victims waited for hours. Many victims who survived were sitting among many dead people, in fear for their own lives.
The only thing that comes to mind is the poem, America is a Gun.
Sadly, I do see it improving anytime in the future.
Informative and shocking. The most disturbing part for me was how long it took police to enter the nightclub, where the victims waited for hours. Many victims who survived were sitting among many dead people, in fear for their own lives.
The only thing that comes to mind is the poem, America is a Gun.
Sadly, I do see it improving anytime in the future.
August 16, 2024
Wow! It is truly sad about all those who died in the 2016 Pulse shooting. What is also sad is that COMEY was involved in this investigation. And we all know how dirty Comey is. The FBI pushed their false POLITICAL narrative on this one. Comey is a propagandist. Comey tried to push the narrative that Omar went out to target gays only.
Here are some facts in the case
1) Shooter Omar had a father that was an FBI informant for over 2 decades informing on terrorist
2)Comey,who was fired from the FBI, was involved and started the false narrative
3) Omar abused both his wives
4) Omar wanted to become a police officer but failed the screening twice
5) Omar became a security guard for Juvenile detention center and abused the juveniles.
6) Omar wanted to do mass shooting because of a bombing in the middle east.
7) Omar did not pick the Pulse club because they were gay. He stumbled on the club by accident
8) On the day of the shooting Omar when to downtown Disney first
9) Omar went to the Eve club as a target. It is suspected the reason he didn't carry out the shooting is because he had to park in a garage away from the club and carry his AK in public and walk to the club.
10) Omar had never been to the Pulse club before. Phone data and internet logs prove that he never search for pulse or was in the area before.
11) Omar saw the club as an opportunity and didn't know it was a gay club.
12) Bouncer Guard left the door unattended to kick a drunk out and Omar drove by and saw the opportunity to go in without problems
13) Omar did not know it was a gay bar because he asked where all the women were.
14) On negotiation calls between the police he never once said he was killing people because they were gay. He claimed he was aligned with the Chicago marathon bombers.
15) After Omar death the FBI brought in his wife and turned off all cameras and recordings during the interview. FBI wrote up a confession and had her sign it.
16) Omars wife had an IQ of 80 and was mentally disabled. FBI wrote her confession to fit the narrative of Omar killed people because they were gay without any proof of it.
17) Omar was on the FBI watch list twice and both times the FBI cleared and removed Omar from the watch list.
18) FBI tried to put Omar's wife in jail for the false confession stating she knew what Omar was doing.
19) Omar's wife was acquitted of all charge.
Bottom line the FBI is dirty as hell! Media and the FBI tried to create a narrative that fit the liberal agenda. Which was completely FALSE.
Great book and they have the RECEIPT!
Here are some facts in the case
1) Shooter Omar had a father that was an FBI informant for over 2 decades informing on terrorist
2)Comey,who was fired from the FBI, was involved and started the false narrative
3) Omar abused both his wives
4) Omar wanted to become a police officer but failed the screening twice
5) Omar became a security guard for Juvenile detention center and abused the juveniles.
6) Omar wanted to do mass shooting because of a bombing in the middle east.
7) Omar did not pick the Pulse club because they were gay. He stumbled on the club by accident
8) On the day of the shooting Omar when to downtown Disney first
9) Omar went to the Eve club as a target. It is suspected the reason he didn't carry out the shooting is because he had to park in a garage away from the club and carry his AK in public and walk to the club.
10) Omar had never been to the Pulse club before. Phone data and internet logs prove that he never search for pulse or was in the area before.
11) Omar saw the club as an opportunity and didn't know it was a gay club.
12) Bouncer Guard left the door unattended to kick a drunk out and Omar drove by and saw the opportunity to go in without problems
13) Omar did not know it was a gay bar because he asked where all the women were.
14) On negotiation calls between the police he never once said he was killing people because they were gay. He claimed he was aligned with the Chicago marathon bombers.
15) After Omar death the FBI brought in his wife and turned off all cameras and recordings during the interview. FBI wrote up a confession and had her sign it.
16) Omars wife had an IQ of 80 and was mentally disabled. FBI wrote her confession to fit the narrative of Omar killed people because they were gay without any proof of it.
17) Omar was on the FBI watch list twice and both times the FBI cleared and removed Omar from the watch list.
18) FBI tried to put Omar's wife in jail for the false confession stating she knew what Omar was doing.
19) Omar's wife was acquitted of all charge.
Bottom line the FBI is dirty as hell! Media and the FBI tried to create a narrative that fit the liberal agenda. Which was completely FALSE.
Great book and they have the RECEIPT!
July 31, 2024
I am always interested in hearing well-researched views that may differ from what I have heard or may cause me to pause and think about a situation from a different lens. That is exactly what journalist Trevor Aaronson accomplished in this audiobook. While Trevor’s well-founded disdain for the FBI does creep into the narrative a time or two, I found the story compelling and believable. I think he brings a unique perspective to the table and it’s worth listening to.
July 26, 2024
horribly sad topic but great book going into the false narratives and the truth about the event that the media did not share. learned a lot
August 24, 2024
I knew two people who were killed at Pulse. It was hard to listen to this. Especially chapter 5. It hurts but I needed to understand the why. I still don’t know that answer because I am not of the same mindset. If I can come to terms with the stories, I can start the healing process. Right years. It’s a long time to hurt.
Want to read
August 19, 2024I’ve only just started this Audible book.
A heart-wrenching and tearful listen...
Trevor Aaronson's “Pulse: The Untold Story” is a thought-provoking experience, shedding light on previously hidden information. A difficult but important story, expertly told. Will post full review when done.
A heart-wrenching and tearful listen...
Trevor Aaronson's “Pulse: The Untold Story” is a thought-provoking experience, shedding light on previously hidden information. A difficult but important story, expertly told. Will post full review when done.
August 11, 2024
Overall I think this book is a good case study about how false narratives can spread easily and the incompetence/negligence of the police and FBI. However, I'm conflicted after finishing it because of the fact that as true crime book it sensationalizes a tragedy and its perpetrator. The reason I feel comfortable giving it a good review anyways is because I think they take adequate steps to not glorify the murderer at all, they go out of the way to give voices to the victims, and helps clear the air about a pretty bigoted false narrative after the fact.
August 2, 2024
This story is shocking. I feel so much for both the victims and their families. The most shocking part of this story is the cover up by the F. B. I. If the F. B. I. Would be willing to stop bargaining with informants and perhaps at very least these shooters would not be ignored. My thoughts are the survivors and the families of those killed in this senseless massacre.
September 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
November 18, 2024
This book in without no doubt a true page turner.
What you get from this book is a well written book with in depth researched information about the awful attack on “Pulse”
The author takes us as readers on a deep dive into this horrific case that took the lives of so many innocent people. However we get information about what could have been the real reason to the killings that might not have been due to “Pulse” being a place for gay men and how the perpetrator might have had another agenda.
I believe it is good the author opens up about how there might have been Islamophobia during this case as well.
The book is delivered in an almost podcast format.
Only complaint I have - I wish it had been longer.
@booksherlocked
What you get from this book is a well written book with in depth researched information about the awful attack on “Pulse”
The author takes us as readers on a deep dive into this horrific case that took the lives of so many innocent people. However we get information about what could have been the real reason to the killings that might not have been due to “Pulse” being a place for gay men and how the perpetrator might have had another agenda.
I believe it is good the author opens up about how there might have been Islamophobia during this case as well.
The book is delivered in an almost podcast format.
Only complaint I have - I wish it had been longer.
@booksherlocked
September 21, 2024
Hearing the actual background of this horrific event and not the narrative the media was pushing was eye opening.
August 24, 2024
Presented in a podcast style, which isn't my preferred way. However, it was eye-opening. I live in Orlando, and I was unaware of much of the details presented by Aaronson. This forced me to reconsider everything I had previously heard about the Pulse tragedy and the FBI's involvement.
October 10, 2024
Omar Mateen was born in 1986 in New York. His parents were Afghan immigrants. Mateen exhibited behaviors that should have been considered red flags as far back as elementary school. He was known to be rude, aggressive, and a poor student. He exhibited a sense of entitlement throughout his life. He was sent to alternative school for having dozens of incidents in high school. His father claimed to be the president of Afghanistan in exile, and also had a sense of entitlement. After the 9/11 attacks, he mimicked crashing planes and sang the praises of the perpetrators. In later years, he would claim to know the Boston Marathon bombers. He cheated on his wife with multiple women, while making disparaging remarks about women in general. He stalked people, including people who rejected his third application for the police course and women. He also used steroids which could not have possibly helped his attitude and mental capacity. There were so many red flags about this guy, it is insanity that the FBI closed TWO investigations of him. He was able to buy weapons, thanks to lax gun laws and the stupidity of the FBI. He used those weapons to kill 49 people and injure 53 others. He would eventually be killed by police.
There has been considerable debate about his radicalism. There has been considerable debate about having a homophobic motive and targeting Pulse for this reason. There has also been debate about being at Pulse on Latin Night to target the Latin community. It is my personal belief that this dude had mental problems and was also a product of his raising. He did not seem to be very devout or fanatical in his beliefs. There has been no solid evidence to point to the fact that he was in the closet or having same sex relationships with men. By a review of the facts, it appears he had a completely different target in mind to attack. It didn't work out so he went to Pulse. There is no firm evidence he had ever been to Pulse previously, and nothing on his phone to indicate it hit on the cell tower near it before that night. Pulse was open in the middle of the night, people were there, so it was. The narrative presented by the media has really done a lot to damage the LGBTQ+ community, and that is a tragedy on top of a tragedy. It is also my personal belief that his father is a terrible person, a terrible parent, and a scumbag in general. He was also an FBI informant. I do not like to be a conspiracy theorist, but the FBI closed two cases against Marteen and never called his father as a witness. Marteen's FBI file remains "open" so the public cannot view it, which really does lead one to believe the FBI has something to hide, because we all know they are not an honest and forthcoming bunch. Their mishandling of this is atrocious. It is also my personal belief that his first wife should have never been splashed about in the media, as she divorced him after two years of enduring his abusive behavior and had nothing to do with this event. His second wife's handling by law enforcement was also atrocious, and, while I do not believe she aided him or hindered the investigation, I believe she knew something. Perhaps she did not know what he was up to that very second, but she absolutely knew he was abusive, manipulative, and weird. She probably knew he went and bought weapons. She probably knew he wanted his name in the history books one way or another. It is also my firm belief that he did this horrible act because he wanted to be like the people he idolized. He wanted his name in the news, he wanted his face on the internet, he wanted a bigger kill count than those who came before him.
This took only about four hours to listen to. It is currently available on Audible Plus. There are a few things to consider before listening to this. It reads more like a podcast miniseries than a traditional audiobook, which did not bother me, but may not be for everyone. It also includes 911 recordings and recordings from people inside Pulse at the time of the incident. Otherwise, I found this book to be a valuable resource for information about the perpetrator. I also appreciated that it gave a fair amount of time to other people involved, including victims who were willing to give statements, people that knew the perpetrator, lawyers, and law enforcement. It was not a one-sided book, and the investigative journalist who wrote it brought a lot to light about false narratives and FBI shenanigans.
There has been considerable debate about his radicalism. There has been considerable debate about having a homophobic motive and targeting Pulse for this reason. There has also been debate about being at Pulse on Latin Night to target the Latin community. It is my personal belief that this dude had mental problems and was also a product of his raising. He did not seem to be very devout or fanatical in his beliefs. There has been no solid evidence to point to the fact that he was in the closet or having same sex relationships with men. By a review of the facts, it appears he had a completely different target in mind to attack. It didn't work out so he went to Pulse. There is no firm evidence he had ever been to Pulse previously, and nothing on his phone to indicate it hit on the cell tower near it before that night. Pulse was open in the middle of the night, people were there, so it was. The narrative presented by the media has really done a lot to damage the LGBTQ+ community, and that is a tragedy on top of a tragedy. It is also my personal belief that his father is a terrible person, a terrible parent, and a scumbag in general. He was also an FBI informant. I do not like to be a conspiracy theorist, but the FBI closed two cases against Marteen and never called his father as a witness. Marteen's FBI file remains "open" so the public cannot view it, which really does lead one to believe the FBI has something to hide, because we all know they are not an honest and forthcoming bunch. Their mishandling of this is atrocious. It is also my personal belief that his first wife should have never been splashed about in the media, as she divorced him after two years of enduring his abusive behavior and had nothing to do with this event. His second wife's handling by law enforcement was also atrocious, and, while I do not believe she aided him or hindered the investigation, I believe she knew something. Perhaps she did not know what he was up to that very second, but she absolutely knew he was abusive, manipulative, and weird. She probably knew he went and bought weapons. She probably knew he wanted his name in the history books one way or another. It is also my firm belief that he did this horrible act because he wanted to be like the people he idolized. He wanted his name in the news, he wanted his face on the internet, he wanted a bigger kill count than those who came before him.
This took only about four hours to listen to. It is currently available on Audible Plus. There are a few things to consider before listening to this. It reads more like a podcast miniseries than a traditional audiobook, which did not bother me, but may not be for everyone. It also includes 911 recordings and recordings from people inside Pulse at the time of the incident. Otherwise, I found this book to be a valuable resource for information about the perpetrator. I also appreciated that it gave a fair amount of time to other people involved, including victims who were willing to give statements, people that knew the perpetrator, lawyers, and law enforcement. It was not a one-sided book, and the investigative journalist who wrote it brought a lot to light about false narratives and FBI shenanigans.
October 25, 2024
Pulse: The Untold Story (Audible Original) is an eye-opening and thought-provoking listen that challenges everything we thought we knew about the horrific 2016 Pulse nightclub attack. Trevor Aaronson’s investigative skills are on full display as he uncovers a shocking web of hidden relationships between the shooter, his father, and the FBI.His relentless pursuit of the truth leaves listeners with an unsettling question: could the FBI have prevented the massacre?
Aaronson’s narration is measured and impactful, making the heavy subject matter easier to digest while maintaining the intensity and gravity of the situation. The documentary dives deep into disturbing aspects of FBI operations, which kept me hooked from start to finish. Although some parts are densely packed with investigative details, Aaronson manages to balance these with personal stories and revelations that make the content more accessible.
This is not just a documentary but a deeply revealing exposé that will leave you questioning the narratives presented in the aftermath of the attack. I would highly recommended this for fans of true crime and those seeking to understand the complexities behind tragic events.
Note: The programme contains vivid descriptions of violence, including 911 calls and police body camera recordings from the night of the shooting, which may be distressing for some listeners.
Aaronson’s narration is measured and impactful, making the heavy subject matter easier to digest while maintaining the intensity and gravity of the situation. The documentary dives deep into disturbing aspects of FBI operations, which kept me hooked from start to finish. Although some parts are densely packed with investigative details, Aaronson manages to balance these with personal stories and revelations that make the content more accessible.
This is not just a documentary but a deeply revealing exposé that will leave you questioning the narratives presented in the aftermath of the attack. I would highly recommended this for fans of true crime and those seeking to understand the complexities behind tragic events.
Note: The programme contains vivid descriptions of violence, including 911 calls and police body camera recordings from the night of the shooting, which may be distressing for some listeners.
August 30, 2024
Trevor Aaronson's Pulse: The Untold Story is a gripping narrative that unravels the complexities behind the Pulse nightclub shooting, offering readers a detailed examination of the events and individuals involved. Unlike many retellings of this tragic event, Aaronson goes beyond the surface, exploring motives, misrepresentations, and the intricate web of surveillance and informants that surrounded the shooter.
Due to the sensitive nature of the Pulse, I will not go into any details about the audible except to applaud Aaronson’s investigative reporting skills. We all know that true investigative reporting is rare in today’s mainstream media, so it was my pleasure to listen and contemplate the facts presented.
Who should listen this audio? Anyone who wants to look beyond the mainstream point of view. You are free to draw your own conclusions. That is what a free society is all about.
Who should not listen to the audio? Victims or family members of the Pulse shooting. Those who are triggered by graphic accounting and police violence.
Thank you to Goodreads for providing with this platform so that I can express my own opinions because I am a free citizen of the United States of America.
Due to the sensitive nature of the Pulse, I will not go into any details about the audible except to applaud Aaronson’s investigative reporting skills. We all know that true investigative reporting is rare in today’s mainstream media, so it was my pleasure to listen and contemplate the facts presented.
Who should listen this audio? Anyone who wants to look beyond the mainstream point of view. You are free to draw your own conclusions. That is what a free society is all about.
Who should not listen to the audio? Victims or family members of the Pulse shooting. Those who are triggered by graphic accounting and police violence.
Thank you to Goodreads for providing with this platform so that I can express my own opinions because I am a free citizen of the United States of America.
November 17, 2024
Having recently moved to Orlando I wanted to hear the story of what happened as I remembered hearing about it on the news. Very sad to discover how the media (yet again) spread false narratives and that that influenced investigation and government response. Senseless. I sure hope the media and feds can find their way back to the facts and truth. False narratives have screwed over so many people and I’m tired of it. The shooter at Pulse was an evil disturbed man. The FBI knew about him and did nothing. This tragedy could have been prevented if they would have done their job!
September 13, 2024
From an investigative reporter who dug into what actually happened at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on that night. He contends that the story the media carried was fed to them and isn't the real truth--the shooter was not secretly gay and acting on hate toward gay people enjoying a night out. He's saying that the shooter had a relationship with the FBI and the FBI could have prevented this entire tragedy! Asks some interesting questions as good investigative reporting should.
November 23, 2024
This book dives deep into the world of counterterrorism and surveillance, revealing the complexities behind America's war on terror. The author does an incredible job of uncovering the untold stories behind the FBI's use of informants, the pressure on Muslim communities, and the ethical questions around national security and personal freedoms.
What really struck me was how it challenged my thinking about the balance between safety and civil liberties in today's world.
What really struck me was how it challenged my thinking about the balance between safety and civil liberties in today's world.
September 1, 2024
This book raises alot of important questions and casts doubt on what we think we know. It doesn't leave me feeling like my questions were answered, but hopefully Pulse will spark discussions that lead to important change.
September 10, 2024
So it turns out the government exploited Islamophobia and queer pain (with the help of mainstream media) in order to cover their own incompetence and corruption.
This is heartbreaking and frustrating to listen to, but it’s important to have all the facts
This is heartbreaking and frustrating to listen to, but it’s important to have all the facts
October 11, 2024
What a shockingly eye opening investigation and tribute to all who lost their lives in the Pulse shooting in Orlando, FL. How the government pinned it as a hate crime against LGBTQ members but how more things were at play as well that the public has never heard.
October 12, 2024
Pulse is the story of the Pulse nightclub shooting. It is a very good investigative piece that presents facts in an engaging way. I wasn't familiar with this story and I quite enjoyed. I just didn't feel a personal connection to it, but that's okay.
July 24, 2024
This provided a lot of accurate information regarding the Pulse nightclub shooting. I was surprised how corrupt the FBI was in this and learned a lot.
Read
July 28, 2024Definitely some new info presented that I never heard before from media
July 29, 2024
Interesting book about cover up, FBI influence and the media wring a narrative to fit their theories instead of facts.
August 1, 2024
Intense and interesting
August 4, 2024
Super short. But I did like the production. It is a story that I was completely unfamiliar with, so I know more now that I have listened. So that's a win.
August 7, 2024
Thought provoking. An extremely convincing argument is made that the Pulse shooting had nothing to do with homophobia. Sad, poignant, thorough.
August 14, 2024
I loved this book, it had me at the edge of my seat. Just hearing the phone calls from the shooter made me mad. Hearing the calls from the victims made me cry.
August 16, 2024
Great information that wasn't portrayed in the media.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews