What police are describing as a mass shooting in downtown Orlando on Halloween night left two people dead and six injured, with police arresting a 17-year-old suspect at the scene. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive.
ORLANDO, FL (3-minute read) — A tragic Halloween shooting in downtown Orlando during the early hours of November 1, 2024, left two people dead and six others injured, casting a dark shadow over the city’s celebrations.
Around 1:07 a.m., shots were fired near the intersection of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard, a popular nightlife area, disrupting the festive crowd. Police Chief Eric Smith confirmed that officers responded promptly, only to witness another shooting a block away on Washington Street shortly thereafter.
The victims, ranging from 19 to 39 years old, were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where they remain in stable condition. Authorities have since arrested Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, a 17-year-old suspect previously arrested in 2023 for grand theft. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Edgar moving through the bustling crowd before allegedly opening fire, prompting immediate action from nearby officers, one of whom tackled and apprehended him quickly.
Though the motive behind Edgar’s attack remains unclear, Chief Smith highlighted that the suspect appeared resolute, stating, “Whatever his mindset was, he was going to shoot no matter what.” The police recovered a handgun at the scene, confirming that Edgar acted alone. Chief Smith commended the officers’ swift and courageous response, remarking, “As soon as they heard the shots fired, none of the officers went the other way… they took action to keep everyone else safe.”
UPDATE: The Orlando Police Department has released video footage capturing the shooting incident in Downtown Orlando, along with the arrest of the suspect, Jaylen Dwayne Edgar.
See our previous post on Facebook for additional information: https://t.co/nWlMTFlNEz pic.twitter.com/37adF1Bxzb
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) November 1, 2024
The packed Halloween celebrations saw an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 revelers in the downtown area, and the Orlando Police Department had deployed nearly 100 officers, anticipating the need for heightened security. State Attorney Andrew Bain has indicated that due to the gravity of the crime, charging Edgar as an adult is under consideration, noting “several aggravating factors” in the case.
**GRAPHIC WARNING**
The video below is graphic in nature. Viewer Discretion is advised.
Orlando Halloween Mass Shooting
Jaylen Edgar, 17, killed two and injured six people in downtown Orlando around 1 a.m. Friday morning
Just a reminder that police are not first responders. You are your own first responder.
Police just get there later and perform CPR incorrectly pic.twitter.com/9gfoVTrxGI
— 🩺 Dr. Napervillain Bunny🐰 (@Type07Safety) November 1, 2024
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to interview witnesses and review footage to understand what led to the shooting. Police encourage anyone with relevant information to contact them as they piece together this tragic event.
Safety Tip: Stay vigilant in crowded places, especially during large public events. If you hear gunfire or witness suspicious behavior, move away from the area and alert law enforcement.
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