2 Dead, 7 Injured in Downtown Orlando Shooting

2 Dead, 7 Injured in Overnight Downtown Orlando Shooting; 17-Year-Old Suspect in Custody

ORLANDO, Fla. — A tragic overnight shooting in downtown Orlando left two men dead and at least seven others injured, the Orlando Police Department confirmed. The incident unfolded shortly after 1:00 a.m. near East Central Boulevard and North Orange Avenue. Minutes later, police responded to reports of additional shots fired just south of Washington Street, adding to the chaotic scene as thousands gathered for Halloween festivities.

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith stated that the victims ranged in age from 19 to 39, with two fatalities and multiple individuals hospitalized. Among the injured, two remain in critical condition. The injured included gunshot victims and a person who was trampled during the panic.

Authorities detained a 17-year-old suspect with a criminal record. Police closed roads overnight but have since reopened them. Video from the scene shows a large crowd dispersing amid confusion. Roughly 50,000 to 100,000 people were in the area for the Halloween celebration.

The Orlando Regional Medical Center reported on the conditions of the victims:

Victim 1: 25-year-old Black male, deceased
Victim 2: 19-year-old White male, deceased
Remaining victims sustained injuries varying from gunshot wounds to trampling injuries.

The incident marks another Halloween-related shooting in downtown Orlando, echoing a similar occurrence in 2021. The police encourage anyone with information to contact Crimeline, where tips could earn cash rewards of up to $1,000.

For updates on this ongoing investigation, follow WESH 2 News.