Two people are dead and seven others injured following a shooting in downtown Orlando during Halloween celebrations on Friday. The Orlando Police Department reported that a 17-year-old suspect, identified as Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, was arrested in connection with the incident.
The shooting took place at the intersection of Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, where large crowds had gathered to celebrate. According to Police Chief Eric Smith, shots were fired in quick succession, prompting chaos as partygoers fled in different directions. Six of the injured suffered gunshot wounds, while a 26-year-old woman was trampled as the crowd fled the scene.
The deceased are two men aged 25 and 19. Their names have not yet been released. Four of the injured victims remain hospitalized in stable condition, while three others were treated and discharged from Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Edgar has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm and six counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm. He had previously faced a grand theft charge in 2023, which is still under investigation. Chief Smith noted that Edgar was uncooperative with police during questioning, and investigators are looking into how he obtained the firearm used in the shooting.
Surveillance footage captured Edgar in a yellow shirt walking through the crowd before opening fire. Police quickly apprehended him, aided by officers who were patrolling the area. Smith highlighted the effectiveness of the police response, noting that officers were able to take Edgar into custody almost immediately after the shots rang out.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced a local state of emergency following the shooting, which includes a curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. for the downtown entertainment area and a ban on alcohol sales after midnight for the next week. Dyer emphasized that the decision was made to enhance public safety and combat the recent surge in violence, linking the incident to changes in Florida's concealed carry laws.
Speaking to local media, residents expressed concern over safety in the area, especially on weekends. As the investigation continues, the Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office indicated that charging Edgar as an adult is a possibility, depending on the findings from ongoing inquiries. The Orlando Police Department plans to increase patrols in the downtown area this weekend to ensure public safety during this busy time of year.
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