Mass Shooting in Downtown Orlando Leaves Two Dead, Seven Injured
Surveillance Footage Captures Chaos
Surveillance video and bodycam footage captured the chaos unleashed during a mass shooting in downtown Orlando that left two dead and at least seven hurt while tens of thousands gathered for Halloween celebrations, according to the Orlando Police Department.
Multiple Shooting Scenes
Officers first responded to a call at around 1:07 a.m. for a shooting at Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue. A victim there fell to the ground, and the suspect and others allegedly took off, police said. Shortly after, authorities received a different call about a shooting south of Washington Street and Orange Avenue. One victim there was killed.
Victims
In all, nine people were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. The two men who died were 25 and 19 years old. Their names have not been released. The other victims are:
- an 18-year-old man, shot in lower left leg
- a 39-year-old woman, shot in the left hand
- a 24-year-old woman, shot in the left leg
- a 20-year-old man, who suffered a graze wound to the head
- a 26-year-old man, shot in the right foot
- a 19-year-old woman, shot in the upper back, lodged in cheek
- a 26-year-old woman, who suffered injuries from being trampled
Surveillance Video and Bodycam Footage
In surveillance video, the gunman can be seen in a bright yellow shirt walking among a crowd of people in costumes. He looks behind him, takes out a gun and shoots one person, sending the crowd running and screaming. It is not clear if that footage is from the first or second scene.
In police bodycam footage, an officer can be heard yelling, "Gunshot victim, gunshot victim, gunshot victim!" Then, the video cuts to the officer running toward the suspect, telling him, "Get on the ground! Get on the ground right now."
Arrest and Incident Details
The suspect, a 17-year-old, was taken into custody and pinned to the ground by officers. "I saw him shoot, I saw him shoot!" the arresting officer says, as authorities pin the suspect to the ground.
Police Chief’s Statement
"The officers did a great job. They responded right when they heard the shooting, you know. So everybody else is running. They’re not, they’re sitting in position looking for a shooter. They found a shooter. They took him down," Orlando police Chief Eric Smith said.
Motive Unknown
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shooting.
Conclusion
The mass shooting in downtown Orlando has left a trail of devastation and injury, with two lives lost and several others severely injured. The swift response of the police department and their ability to apprehend the suspect are commendable. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to understand the motive behind this senseless act of violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people were injured in the shooting?
A: At least seven people were injured, with two fatal.
Q: How many victims were taken to the hospital?
A: Nine people were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Q: What is the age range of the victims?
A: The ages of the victims range from 18 to 39 years old.
Q: Is the suspect’s identity known?
A: The suspect is a 17-year-old male, but his name has not been released due to his age.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The motive behind the shooting is still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.