Gunfire erupted at an Orlando nightlife spot populated by hundreds of partygoers as the city’s Halloween event filled the streets early Friday. Two people were reported to be killed and six hurt in the shooting that may have been caused by one suspect who allegedly fired the weapon twice, prompting scenes of panic among those scattered into the streets for protection.
Police said they heard the first reports of the shots fired at 1:07 a.m. when shots rang out near Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, where they said a costume contest offering cash prizes was part of Halloween celebrations. A little more than an hour after the first shooting, which had taken place just a block north on Washington Street and Orange Avenue, another burst of gunfire rang out before Edgar was tackled and captured by police.
The victims were aged between 19 and 31 years. Most of them were treated in nearby hospitals for non-fatal injuries. The names of the two deceased victims are still pending. Edgar was already wanted by police and arrested in early 2023 over grand theft. Edgar allegedly ran past several responding officers, weaving through crowds while possessing a handgun. Surveillance footage shows him aiming at an unsuspecting victim in the crowd before firing additional shots, even near a police cruiser.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said that officers responded quickly and bravely to the chaos. “The moment they heard shots, our officers didn’t think twice,” Smith said in a press briefing. “They kept the public safe and moved toward the gunfire in order to subdue the shooter.”
Even though Edgar was arrested promptly, police have yet to understand what motivated the attack. According to Chief Smith, the attacker had apparently intended to cause damage: “He walked by multiple officers, knowing what he was going to do.” State Attorney Andrew Bain believes Edgar will be prosecuted as an adult, and that is due to the crime’s extreme and deliberative nature.
Orlando’s annual Halloween celebrations, which officials said drew tens of thousands, became a tragic reminder of the gun violence that has shattered the community, as friends and family mourned lives lost and prayed for the survivors.
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