According to authorities, a man attacked and assaulted two officers responding to a wedding reception in the Orlando region. One officer was then forced to shoot him.
The shooting took place at the Winter Park Library and Events Center, which opened in December. Police identified the victim as Daniel Patrick Knight, 39. He claimed to be the uncle of the bride.
“He was a gentle and kind soul and his only crime that night was drinking and having fun with his family,” his family stated to FOX 35 Orlando. He isn’t a drinker, and works 16-hour days to support his family. He was able to celebrate his niece’s wedding for the first time in a long while.
According to the Winter Park Police Department, officers responded to a disturbance call at 9:40 pm at the venue located in the historic district of the city. The caller stated that Knight was attacking guests at the reception.
FOX 35 reports that “Upon arrival, one officer began speaking to the subject”
Police say Knight attacked another officer during a melee. Police say Knight was then attacked by a second officer as a result of a physical altercation. Knight was later taken to southeastern Massachusetts Hospital and declared dead.
Both officers involved were taken to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Later, they were released.
Police were unable to identify the officers and it was not clear how many people attended the reception, or what caused the disturbance.
Officer who shot Knight was placed on administrative duty while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the shooting.
The family stated that Knight wasn’t attacking guests and was not armed in their statement. FOX 35 reports that they called the shooting “unjustified”.
The statement said, “We are working together with a lawyer to get the whole truth out,”
