Orlando police on Friday said two people died and six were injured in a shooting in the city’s downtown neighborhood in the midst of Halloween festivities. The shooting took place at around 1 am, in Orlando’s entertainment district, where hundreds of people were celebrating Halloween.
Orlando Chief Eric Smith said at a press conference that the alleged gunman, a 17-year-old boy, had been identified and taken into custody.
“Shortly after report of shots fired the shooting suspect was located and taken into custody at Washington and Orange. He has been identified as 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar. He was previously arrested for grand theft in 2023. Video posted to social media showed emergency personnel attending to casualties lying in the street.
Smith said police are still conducting an active investigation. A tragic shooting in Florida, during Halloween festivities, resulted in two people dead and six others injured. The incident occurred as crowds gathered for celebrations. The suspect walked by more than 10 officers just before opening fire, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said.
It’s unfortunate that the changes in the state concealed weapons laws [in 2023] have made it even easier for people to carry guns,” Dyer said at a news conference.
“You can legally carry a firearm unless you fall into a certain kind of category: underage, convicted felon,” Smith explained. “For most people, it allows them, without getting a concealed weapons permit, to carry a gun concealed.
Surveillance video captured the chaos of people fleeing the scene as officers apprehended the suspect
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances and identify any suspects involved. The community is in shock, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue to examine the area for evidence and clues. The injured victims are receiving medical treatment, and officials are working to ensure safety in the neighborhood as the investigation unfolds.
Two dead, six injured in shooting
Two people were killed and six others injured after two shootings in a large crowd celebrating Halloween in downtown Orlando early Friday. A suspect is in custody and has been charged with murder, authorities said.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith told reporters that officers responded to shots fired in the city’s downtown shortly after 1 a.m. A second shooting minutes later happened within a short distance of officers and they quickly made an arrest, he said.
The six wounded were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center and were in stable condition. They ranged in age from 19 to 39, he said. A 26-year-old woman was also injured after she was trampled by the crowd attempting to flee, said later on Friday.
The two people killed were described as a 25-year-old man and a 19-year-old man. Their identities have not been released.
Smith said anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 people could have been downtown at the time of the shooting, judging by views of the huge Halloween crowds.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he’s issuing a local state of emergency for establishments in the downtown entertainment area, which will ban alcohol sales after midnight and implement a curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Source: eNCA
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