2 dead, 7 injured in Halloween attack; Detained youth: authorities

ORLANDO, Fla. – Two people are dead and seven others are being treated at local hospitals following an overnight mass shooting in downtown Orlando, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said. A. 17-year-old boy in custodyThey face charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, authorities said.

The shooting took place around 1:07 a.m. near Orange Avenue and Central Blvd., where hundreds of people were celebrating Halloween in bars, clubs and restaurants. reported in the region.

Minutes later second It was reported that gunshots were heard nearby. Police rushed to both scenes, located the alleged gunman and tackled him.

Downtown Orlando shooting timeline:

• 1:07 am | First report of shots fired in the area of ​​Orange Avenue and Central Blvd. Chief Smith said officers heard the gunshots and ran toward them. The huge crowd in the area rushed in all directions.

• Minutes later | A second gunshot rang out near Orange Avenue and Washington Street. The chief said police officers responded quickly.

What do we know about the suspect?

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith identified the alleged gunman as a 17-year-old boy. It was stated that the young man was armed with a gun.

He was not shot by officers. The chief said neither officer fired their weapons.

The motive for the attack is not yet known, but Chief Smith said detectives are speaking with the suspect.

The chief also noted that the suspect was previously arrested for grand larceny in 2023. Details about this case were not immediately available.

Smith said the 17-year-old had not been downtown long before the shooting and had not been employed.

“He practically walked downtown, went out into the street and did what he did,” Chief Smith said.

Jaylen Dwayne Edgar was charged with two counts of First Degree Murder with a Firearm and six counts of Attempted First Degree Murder with a Firearm.

FOX 35’s cameras overlooking parts of downtown captured a large police presence along Orange Avenue and Central Avenue near Wall Street Plaza, where many bars, clubs and restaurants are located.

What do we know about the victims?

Police Chief Smith said two people were killed. He did not disclose their names until the family was notified.

He said the victims ranged in age from 19 to 39.

According to Orlando Health Regional Medical Center, they treated nine patients injured during the incident.

Here are the victims’ conditions as of 9 am. According to the Orlando Police Department on Friday:

Victim 1:
Black Male, 25, Deceased

Sacrifice 2:
White Male, 19, Deceased

Sacrifice 3:
White Male, 18, Shot in lower left leg

Sacrifice 4:
White Female, 39, Shot in left hand

Sacrifice 5:
Hispanic Woman, 24, Shot in left leg

Sacrifice 6:
Black Male, 20, Shot in the head (grazing)

Sacrifice 7:
Hispanic Male, 26, Shot in right foot

Sacrifice 8:
Hispanic Female, 19, Shot in upper back, cheek trapped

Sacrifice 9:
This victim was not mentioned at the press conference.
He was not shot; The crowd was crushed as they tried to flee the scene of the shooting.
Spanish Woman, 26, Injured by crushing

From one vantage point, crowds can be seen walking all over Orange Avenue; this is not uncommon for a weekend getaway in downtown Orlando. A few minutes later, crowds of people suddenly start running.

Several police officers are then seen running in the opposite direction.