Two Dead, Seven Injured in Orlando Halloween Shooting Amid Packed Downtown Celebrations
Two Dead, Seven Injured in Orlando Halloween Shooting Amid Packed Downtown Celebrations (Photo: Tony Webster/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY 2.0 )

Orlando's Halloween celebrations turned deadly early Friday when a 17-year-old allegedly opened fire in a crowded downtown area, killing two and injuring seven others. The incident has heightened scrutiny of public safety measures and the impact of recent changes in Florida's gun laws. The tragedy unfolded at the intersection of Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue around 1 a.m., as crowds of up to 100,000 were out enjoying one of the city's busiest nights of the year.

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith, in a press conference Friday morning, described how the suspect, later identified as Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, allegedly walked through the crowd wearing a yellow shirt and backpack, raised his arm, and opened fire. Surveillance footage released by the Orlando Police Department showed terrified revelers scattering in all directions as gunshots rang out. "It was chaos, panic, and terror," said a front desk employee at the Mondrian apartments, a nearby high-rise where dozens of people sought refuge.

Two individuals, later identified as 19 and 25 years old, lost their lives in the attack. Six others sustained gunshot wounds, while a 26-year-old woman was injured after being trampled in the chaotic stampede to escape. The wounded were rushed to Orlando Medical Center, where all are reported to be in stable condition. The victims' names have not been publicly released.

  In the aftermath, police arrested Edgar, who reportedly attempted to flee but was swiftly tackled by a police officer who had witnessed the shooting. Three other officers joined in to secure the suspect, who now faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm. Smith noted that Edgar, who was previously arrested for grand theft, has so far been uncooperative with authorities. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer reacted to the tragedy by declaring a local state of emergency, instituting a 1 a.m. curfew in the downtown entertainment district and a temporary ban on alcohol sales after midnight. "Honestly, I am frustrated to have to stand in front of you all and again share the news that we have senselessly lost another life due to gun violence," Dyer said. He emphasized that despite enhanced security measures, including weapon screenings, the recent changes to Florida's concealed weapons laws have complicated efforts to ensure public safety. Last year, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation permitting residents to carry concealed loaded weapons without a permit. Chief Smith acknowledged the challenges posed by the new laws. "We used to do closures, and we had the dogs and all that," Smith explained, noting that Florida's constitutional carry law now prevents such measures. "We could no longer do the dogs we had downtown," he added, explaining how officers can no longer check for weapons openly in public spaces. "With that many people down there, we have no idea what people have on their person," Smith said. Eyewitnesses described the night as one filled with terror and disbelief. Joey Herrera, 22, who was at the Halloween festivities with friends, shared the fear he felt when shots were fired. "It was the most scared I've ever been," Herrera said. "I was afraid that I was going to be killed, and I didn't want to die in that way." Revelers scrambled to find shelter, some hiding in nearby businesses or escaping into side streets, while others found refuge at the Mondrian apartments, which temporarily opened its doors to those fleeing the gunfire. The tragedy has sparked further conversation about downtown safety, particularly during high-traffic events. Resident Rocio Taylor, who lives three blocks from the shooting site, said she avoids going out after 7 p.m. on weekends due to the "rowdy" bar-and-club scene. "They drink too much alcohol. They go to nightclubs. They're out of control," Taylor, 70, commented, adding that she hopes for a larger police presence in the area.

State Attorney Andrew Bain indicated that Edgar would likely be charged as an adult as the investigation unfolds, underscoring the gravity of the charges facing the young suspect. Meanwhile, city officials are exploring alternative safety measures for downtown events. "We are working with the city, working with the clubs downtown to figure out if there's something else we can go to, to keep it secure down there," Smith said, hinting at potential changes to come.