Despite nearly 100 officers on site, a teenage gunman opened fire on crowds celebrating Halloween in downtown Orlando, killing two and injuring seven as he "really didn't care" about the heavy police presence, according to the city's police chief.
Two people lost their lives, and seven others were wounded after the 17-year-old suspect allegedly began shooting across two crowded downtown locations packed with Halloween revelers, Police Chief Eric Smith said early Friday.
The teenaged suspect apprehended shortly thereafter was identified as Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, who does have a previous arrest record, according to Atlanta Fox 5.
The victims range from 19 to 39 years old, according to police reports. Two of those injured remain in critical condition but are now stable after being admitted to Orlando Regional Medical Center, hospital spokesperson Marlei Martinez told CNN Friday morning, Albany Herald reported.
Chief Smith noted that around 100 officers were already stationed in the area, allowing for a swift response. However, the large police presence didn't appear to deter the shooter. "Whatever his mindset was, he was going to shoot no matter what," Smith said. "He walked by multiple officers. He didn't really care."
The motive behind the attack is still unclear, and authorities are investigating whether the victims were randomly chosen or had some connection to the suspect. Video footage from the scene reportedly shows the suspect passing by one of the victims, turning around, and opening fire.
"Did he know him? Did he just happen to stumble across somebody who is one of his enemies for whatever reason? That's all part of the case," Smith stated.
The suspect initially began shooting in one location before running into the fleeing crowd. Police ultimately detained the suspect at a second location just after he opened fire again, according to Smith.
Security protocols for the downtown Halloween festivities had changed this year due to a new state law permitting most people to carry concealed weapons without a permit, Smith said. Previously, measures like checkpoints and gun-sniffing dogs were used to screen attendees for weapons.
"When the law changed, basically you can carry on a public street as long as you meet certain criteria," Smith explained.
Orlando police released information about the victims, identifying those killed as a 25-year-old Black man and a 19-year-old White man. The injured include individuals from various backgrounds, with injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to the leg, hand, head, and back, and one victim trampled while trying to flee.
