Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said two people are dead, and six others are being treated at local hospitals after a mass shooting overnight in downtown Orlando. A 17-year-old boy is in police custody, he said.
The shooting was reported around 1:07 a.m. in the area of Orange Avenue and Central Blvd., where hundreds of people were celebrating Halloween at bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Minutes later, a second round of gunfire was reported nearby. Police ran to both scenes, identified the alleged gunman, and tackled him. He is currently being interviewed by detectives, Chief Smith said.
What do we know about the victims?
Two people have died, Police Chief Smith said. He did not release their names pending family notification.
Six others were hurt and being treated at the hospital. All six were listed in stable condition, he said. However, the severity of their injuries is unknown.
The victims range in age between 19 and 39, he said.
Downtown Orlando shooting press conference: FULL
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith provides an update on a shooting overnight downtown. Two people were killed, six others were in the shooting. A 17-year-old suspect armed with a handgun has been taken into custody, he said.
Downtown Orlando shooting timeline:
- 1:07 a.m. | First report of shots fired in the area of Orange Avenue and Central Blvd. Officers heard shots and ran towards them, Chief Smith said. Massive crowds in the area ran in all directions.
- Minutes later | A second report of gunfire near Orange Avenue and Washington Street, not far away. He was quickly tackled by officers, the chief said.
Watch: Crowd runs after shooting in downtown Orlando
Orlando police are investigating a shooting early Friday morning in downtown Orlando, where hundreds were celebrating Halloween. A FOX 35 camera that overlooks Wall Street showed a massive crowd running shortly after 1 a.m., followed by police running in the opposite direction.
What do we know about the alleged suspect?
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith identified the alleged gunman as a 17-year-old boy. The teen was armed with a handgun, he said.
He was not shot by officers. No officers fired their weapons, the chief said.
A motive in the shooting was also not immediately known, but Chief Smith said detectives were talking with the suspect.
The chief also mentioned that the suspect was previously arrested in 2023 for grand theft. Details on that case were not immediately available.
Smith said the 17-year-old was not downtown long before the shooting, and did not appear to go into any of the businesses.
“He pretty much walked into downtown, walked into the street and did what he did,” Chief Smith said.Â
FOX 35’s cameras that overlook parts of downtown captured a large police presence along Orange Avenue and Central Avenue, near Wall Street Plaza, where there are several bars, clubs, and restaurants.
From one vantage point, crowds can be seen walking all over Orange Avenue, not uncommon for a holiday weekend in downtown Orlando. Moments later, suddenly crowds of people begin to run.
Several police officers are then seen running in the opposite direction.
Crowds run after reported shooting in downtown Orlando
Orlando police are investigating a shooting early Friday morning in downtown Orlando, where hundreds were celebrating Halloween. A FOX 35 camera that overlooks Wall Street showed a massive crowd running shortly after 1 a.m., followed by police running in the opposite direction.
Congressman Maxwell Frost, who represents Florida’s 10th district, posted a brief message on X, urging people to stay away from downtown. He mentioned reports of multiple people hit.
This is a breaking news situation. Stay with FOX 35 News for updates.