Orlando police are currently investigating two shootings that took place in the nightlife district, resulting in two fatalities and eight injuries during the early hours of Halloween. A 17-year-old male has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm and six counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm.
The victims have been identified as Tyrek Hill, 25, and Timothy Schmidt Jr., 19, with the injured victims ranging from 18 to 39 years old. Two individuals were in critical condition but later stabilized at Orlando Regional Medical Center, and a 26-year-old woman was hospitalized after being trampled during the chaos.
The suspect opened fire at the first location before fleeing with the crowd, but was apprehended by police after opening fire at a second location. It was noted that the suspect did not cooperate with authorities and had a prior arrest for grand theft in 2023.
Authorities are determining whether the victims were targeted or random targets of the suspect. The suspect remains uncooperative, prompting further investigation into the motive behind the shootings. The possibility of charging the suspect as an adult is being considered due to the severity of the crime.
The incident occurred during a busy Halloween celebration in downtown Orlando, where gun-sniffing dogs and checkpoints were not utilized due to a state law change allowing concealed carry without a permit. The mayor has declared a state of emergency for downtown businesses, implementing a curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. until the following Friday.
University of Central Florida confirmed that one of the victims was a student, and another student narrowly escaped a more serious injury. Anthony Berry, 20, was grazed by a bullet on his scalp and expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal. He utilized his EMT training to assess and address his injury before being taken to the hospital.
The community is mourning the tragic loss of life and injuries caused by the shootings, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures in the area. The investigation into the motive behind the shootings continues, with authorities working to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in downtown Orlando.
