Gunfire claims 2 lives and injures 6 during Halloween festivities in Orlando

Police are investigating two shootings that occurred during Halloween celebrations in downtown Orlando early on Friday, November 1, 2024. The incidents left two people dead and six others injured as a single gunman opened fire among the large crowds of costumed revelers.

Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the city’s bustling bar and restaurant district shortly after 1 a.m., causing many celebrants to flee in panic. A second shooting took place just minutes later, close to where officers were stationed, leading to the swift arrest of the suspect, as detailed by Police Chief Eric Smith during a briefing on Friday morning.

“Whatever his mindset was, he was going to shoot no matter what,” said Smith, emphasizing that the suspect's motive is still under investigation.

The six individuals injured in the attack, aged between 19 and 39, were transported to a nearby hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. A 17-year-old male suspect has been taken into custody; video footage from street cameras and police body cameras captured both shootings as well as the arrest.

After the first shooting incident occurred, police quickly utilized security footage to provide a description of the shooter. However, due to the proximity of officers during the second shooting, they witnessed it unfold firsthand.

A handgun was recovered at the scene of the arrest, and authorities have confirmed there are no additional suspects involved.

Despite having over 100 officers patrolling an estimated crowd size between 50,000 and 100,000 people celebrating Halloween—one of Orlando's largest annual events—the situation escalated unexpectedly. Typically held about ten miles from Orlando's tourist area, this celebration primarily attracts local residents.

In previous years, police would close off downtown streets and use dogs for weapon screenings at entry points; however, these measures changed following Florida lawmakers' passage of a permit-less concealed carry law in 2023.

“You can carry a weapon on a public street if you meet certain criteria,” noted Smith. “So then that changed; we could no longer do that.”

Florida State Attorney Andrew Baine mentioned that charging the teenage suspect as an adult is being considered but will depend on further details from ongoing investigations by law enforcement officials.