Premium Content:

Aspiring politician lied about treating Pulse Nightclub victims

An aspiring politician in Florida has admitted that she lied about being a doctor and treating victims of the Pulse Nightclub massacre.

- Advertisement -

Website Florida Politics investigated the background of Elizabeth McCarthy, who was running for a seat in the state’s legislature. McCarthy claimed to be a cardiologist who had treated victims of the Pulse Nightclub massacre in 2016.

During campaign events McCarthy has spoken abut how she removed 77 bullets from 32 victims while responding to the mass shooting.

However after the media could not find any record of her working in a hospital on the night the shooting, occurred, and also no record of her being a doctor, health authorities also began to investigate her statements.

McCarthy dropped out of the race, and in a recent affidavit to health department investigators admitted that she made the whole thing up.

“I wanted to be somebody in the community, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I gave any impersonation. I knew it was wrong and I should have stopped — by no means did I ever mean to put anybody in jeopardy,” the affidavit said.

Aside from her claims to be working on the night of the massacre, and being cardiologist, reporters were also unable to verify claims about McCarthy’s education and her statement’s saying she had played colleage basketball.

The 2016 shooting of patrons at a gay nightclub in Orlando saw 49 people killed and 53 people injured.

OIP Staff


 

 

Latest

OPINION | Pride offers strength to survive in the face of rising hate

OUTinPerth editor Leigh Andrew Hill reflects on this year's PrideFEST theme under a cloud of rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate.

On This Gay Day | Rita Mae Brown was born

Brown is best known for her coming-of-age autobiographical novel 'Rubyfruit Jungle' which was released in 1973.

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company plan big bold stories for 2026

The Indigenous focused theatre company has revealed their 2026 program.

Black Swan ends the year on a high with ‘Carol’

Sally-Anne Upton and Mark Storen shine in this tale of festive cheer and serious issues.

Newsletter

Don't miss

OPINION | Pride offers strength to survive in the face of rising hate

OUTinPerth editor Leigh Andrew Hill reflects on this year's PrideFEST theme under a cloud of rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate.

On This Gay Day | Rita Mae Brown was born

Brown is best known for her coming-of-age autobiographical novel 'Rubyfruit Jungle' which was released in 1973.

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company plan big bold stories for 2026

The Indigenous focused theatre company has revealed their 2026 program.

Black Swan ends the year on a high with ‘Carol’

Sally-Anne Upton and Mark Storen shine in this tale of festive cheer and serious issues.

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce quits the party

The former leader had yet to declare whether he will join One Nation.

OPINION | Pride offers strength to survive in the face of rising hate

OUTinPerth editor Leigh Andrew Hill reflects on this year's PrideFEST theme under a cloud of rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate.

On This Gay Day | Rita Mae Brown was born

Brown is best known for her coming-of-age autobiographical novel 'Rubyfruit Jungle' which was released in 1973.

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company plan big bold stories for 2026

The Indigenous focused theatre company has revealed their 2026 program.