Two people were killed and six others injured early Friday after a gunman opened fire in downtown Orlando, Florida, as thousands gathered to celebrate Halloween.
The Orlando Police Department has arrested a 17-year-old suspect, identified as Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, who was taken into custody shortly after the shootings were reported.
The shootings took place in two locations in Orlando’s busy downtown area, according to Police Chief Eric Smith. “He pretty much walked into downtown, walked into the street and did what he did,” Smith said, noting that Edgar did not enter any clubs.
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Police were already stationed in the area due to the Halloween festivities and were able to respond quickly.
HALLOWEEN MASS SHOOTING IN ORLANDO. ‼️
Thousands were gathered to celebrate, reports of numerous injuries.
Sad to see. 💔
pic.twitter.com/KaUX68VOu0— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) November 1, 2024
Officers were drawn to the gunfire near Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, where initial shots were reported around 1 a.m. A second round of gunfire was reported near Washington Street and Orange Avenue shortly after.
🚨#BREAKING: Numerous law enforcement are on the scene of a mass shooting where thousands had gathered for Halloween celebrations⁰⁰📌#Orlando | #Florida⁰
There is currently a heavy law enforcement presence in downtown Orlando, Florida, following a mass shooting that occurred… pic.twitter.com/EgQfjnrWLr— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 1, 2024
Orlando Police officers located and arrested the suspect near the second location, and no firearms were discharged by police during the arrest, Chief Smith said in a briefing Friday morning.
The victims’ ages range from 19 to 39, and while the injured are reportedly in stable condition, authorities are still notifying the families of the deceased.
Hundreds of Halloween revelers were seen fleeing as shots rang out, captured in footage showing crowds running for safety.
Police estimate that between 50,000 and 100,000 people were in the downtown area celebrating Halloween, creating a challenging environment for officers working to secure the scene and assist victims.
The Orlando Police Department has launched an investigation, interviewing witnesses and gathering information on the events leading up to the shooting.
Chief Smith confirmed that officials are looking into a possible motive and considering charges against Edgar, who has a previous arrest for grand theft earlier in 2023.
Authorities are also exploring whether he will be charged as an adult.
In a statement early Friday morning, the Orlando Police Department said, “The Orlando Police Department is conducting a shooting investigation in Downtown Orlando.
We are still gathering information and interviewing witnesses. We will have more information later this morning.”
The tragic incident follows another shooting that took place in Washington State, where one person was killed at a shopping complex hosting a Halloween trick-or-treat event.
Police there are also investigating that incident.
With both events under investigation, authorities are now evaluating safety protocols in public spaces, particularly during large gatherings.
Orlando’s downtown shooting comes as Florida cities, along with others nationwide, manage heightened security measures for public events, especially during holidays.
Source: https://www.rvmnews.com/2024/11/halloween-horror-2-dead-6-wounded-in-orlando-mass-shooting-watch/
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