A 17-year-old opened fire in downtown Orlando, Florida during Halloween celebrations early Friday morning, November 1, 2024, killing two people and wounding six others in a series of shootings that sent thousands of revelers fleeing for safety.
The suspect, identified as Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, was arrested after allegedly carrying out shootings at two locations shortly after 1 a.m., according to Orlando police. Edgar had previously been arrested for grand theft in 2023.
The first shooting occurred near Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, where crowds estimated between 50,000 to 100,000 people had gathered for Halloween festivities. Minutes later, a second shooting took place about a block away near Washington Street and Orange Avenue, where police quickly apprehended the suspect.
“The suspect walked by multiple officers without regard,” Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said. “He really didn’t care.”
Two men were killed in the shootings. On Saturday, the Orlando Police Department said 25-year-old Tyrek Hill and 19-year-old Timothy Schmidt Jr. were killed by the gunman.
Six other victims, ranging in age from 19 to 39, were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center in stable condition. Additionally, a 26-year-old woman was injured after being trampled by crowds fleeing the scene.
Police are investigating whether the victims were specifically targeted or chosen at random by the suspect. Video footage shows the suspect walking past a victim, then turning around and firing. Authorities are examining whether the suspect knew the individual or encountered someone he considered an adversary.
Florida’s 2023 law allowing concealed carry without a permit affected security measures at the Halloween celebration. Police officials noted that previous security protocols, such as checkpoints and gun-sniffing dogs, were no longer possible under the new legislation.
Nearly 100 officers patrolled downtown Orlando due to the expected large Halloween crowd. Police recovered a handgun at the scene and are considering increased patrols for the upcoming weekend.
The shooting marks the 27th mass shooting in Florida this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which recorded 439 mass shootings nationwide in 2024.
The state attorney’s office is considering whether to charge Edgar as an adult due to the multiple victims and the nature of the crime.
