A mass shooting downtown Orlando left at least two dead and six injured. The harrowing incident took place during Halloween holidays on Friday around 1:07. Shortly after reports of shots fired, state police detained a teenage suspect.

A mass shooting in Orlando leaves 2 dead and 6 injured

Authorities first received reports of gunfire in the area of ​​Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said during a news conference, the New York Post reported. A second report of shots fired came just minutes later in his area Washington Street and Orange Avenue.

The fatal shooting happened outside The Block, a nightlife area made up of 7 separate clubs, where hundreds had gathered for Halloween festivities. Smith noted that the six injured people were transported to area hospitals for “further treatment.” The ages of the victims are between 19 and 31 years old. They are now reported to be in stable condition.

Shortly after the incident, police arrested the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar. The police arrested him after he opened fire on the crowd a second time. The teenager had previously been arrested for grand theft in 2023, Smith said, adding: “This is still an active investigation. As we gather more information, we will provide you with another update.”

Edgar was not seen entering any of the clubs when he arrived in downtown Orlando. He was armed with a pistol and is believed to be the only suspect. Smith went on to show several videos from the incident at the press conference. In one of the clips, the suspect was seen walking with a group. Seconds later, he pulled out a gun and fired shots at point-blank range at an unsuspecting victim.

“They’re always prepared and they’re always ready to go,” Smith said of the officers. “As soon as they heard the shots fired, none of the officers went the other way. They didn’t go with the crowd. Most of them had a little bit of cover between them, they started scanning to see what was going on and then they moved, they took action to keep everyone else safe, and that’s what these officers do and they’re very proud of them.”