A deadly shooting incident occurred in downtown Orlando, Florida, during a Halloween celebration early Friday morning, resulting in the death of two individuals. The incident took place outside The Block, a popular nightlife area comprising seven clubs, where hundreds of party-goers were participating in a cash-prize costume contest. Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith confirmed that the first reports of gunfire were received around 1:07 a.m. near Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue.
Minutes later, a second shooting was reported a block north at Washington Street and Orange Avenue. Six additional individuals were injured in the incident and were promptly transported to local hospitals. The victims, who are in stable condition, range in age from 19 to 31 years old.
The suspected shooter, 17-year-old Jalen Dwayne Edgar, was apprehended by police after he reportedly opened fire on the crowd a second time. Edgar, who was previously arrested for grand theft in 2023, did not enter any of the clubs upon his arrival in downtown Orlando. He is believed to be the only suspect in the incident and was armed with a handgun.
Security footage from the scene captured the initial shooting, showing Edgar approaching the victim and opening fire. Additional footage from the second shooting depicted Edgar firing into a crowd near a police cruiser. An officer on the scene was able to subdue Edgar by sweeping his legs from underneath him and tackling him to the ground.
During a press conference, Chief Smith praised the responding officers for their swift action. He noted that the officers did not hesitate to move towards the danger, scanning the scene and taking action to ensure the safety of others. The Halloween celebrations were estimated to have drawn between 50,000 and 100,000 attendees.
The motive behind the shooting has not yet been released by the police. However, officials believe Edgar was intent on committing a mass shooting, as he was seen walking past several officers through the crowds. State Attorney Andrew Bain stated that due to the multiple victims and the brazen nature of the crime, there are several aggravating factors that could lead to Edgar being charged as an adult.