Live updates in downtown Orlando: 2 dead, 6 injured in Halloween shooting; teen detained: officials

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said two people are dead and six others are being treated at local hospitals after a mass shooting that night in downtown Orlando. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested by police, he said.

The shooting was reported around 1:07 a.m. near Orange Avenue and Central Blvd., where hundreds of people were celebrating Halloween at bars, clubs and restaurants.

Minutes later A second A round of gunfire was reported nearby. Police ran to both locations, identified the alleged shooter and apprehended him. He is currently being interviewed by detectives, Chief Smith said.

What do we know about the victims?

Two people were killed, Police Chief Smith said. He did not release their names pending notification of the family.

Six others were injured and treated in hospital. All six were in stable condition, he said. However, the severity of their injuries is unknown.

The victims range in age from 19 to 39, he said.

Timeline for shooting in downtown Orlando:

• 1:07 am | First report of shots fired in the area of ​​Orange Avenue and Central Blvd. Officers heard shots and ran toward them, Chief Smith said. Huge crowds of people in the area poured 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 suspected suspect?

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

He was not shot by officers. No officers fired their weapons, the chief said.

A motive for the shooting was also not immediately known, but Chief Smith said detectives were speaking with the suspect.

The chief also mentioned that the suspect had previously been arrested for theft in 2023. Details about that case were not immediately available.

Smith said the 17-year-old was in town not long before the shooting and did not appear to be going to any of the businesses.

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

FOX 35’s cameras covering parts of downtown captured a heavy police presence along Orange Avenue and Central Avenue, near Wall Street Plaza, where there are several bars, clubs and restaurants.

From one vantage point you can see crowds of people walking down Orange Avenue, not unusual for a holiday weekend in downtown Orlando. A moment later, crowds of people suddenly start running.

We then see several police officers 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 reports of several people affected.

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