Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith says two people are dead and six others are being treated at local hospitals after a mass shooting in downtown Orlando overnight. 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.

FOX 35 video captured people running in all directions.

Minutes later, a second round of gunfire was reported. Police rushed to both scenes, identified the alleged gunman and attacked him. He is currently being interviewed by detectives, Chief Smith said.

Chief Smith said the six people were being treated at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center. At last check, all six were listed in stable condition, though he did not specify the severity of their injuries.

He did not identify the deceased or the injured until the family was notified.

Filming timeline

• 01:07 | The first report of shots fired in the area of ​​Orange Avenue and Central Blvd. Officers heard gunshots and ran toward them, Chief Smith said. The massive crowds in the area were running 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.

What do we know about the alleged suspect?

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith identified the alleged gunman as a 17-year-old boy. The teenager was armed with a gun, he said.

He was not shot by the officers. Neither officer fired their weapons, the chief said. A motive for the shooting was not immediately known, but Chief Smith said detectives were speaking with the suspect.

The chief also noted that the suspect was previously arrested in 2023 for grand theft.

He said the 17-year-old was not downtown long before the shooting and did not appear to go into any of the downtown businesses.

“He went pretty much downtown, went into the street and did what he did,” Chief Smith said.

FOX 35 cameras looking at 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 along Orange Avenue, which is not unusual for a holiday weekend in downtown Orlando. Moments later, suddenly crowds of people start running.

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

Congressman Maxwell Frost, who represents Florida’s 10th district, posted a short message on X urging people to stay away from downtown. He mentioned information about several people being hit.

This is a breaking news situation. Stay with FOX 35 News for updates.