Live updates on downtown Orlando shootings: 2 dead, 6 injured in Halloween shooting; Teenager arrested: officers

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said two people are dead and six others are being treated at local hospitals following a mass shooting overnight in downtown Orlando. A 17-year-old boy is in police custody, he said.

The shooting occurred around 1:07 a.m. in the area of ​​Orange Avenue and Central Blvd. reported where hundreds of people celebrated Halloween in bars, clubs and restaurants.

Minutes later, a second Shots were reported nearby. Police rushed to both crime scenes, identified the suspected shooter and took action against him. He is currently being questioned by detectives, Chief Smith said.

What do we know about the victims?

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

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

The victims were between 19 and 39 years old, he said.

Timeline of the downtown Orlando shooting:

• 1:07 am | Initial report of shots fired in the area of ​​Orange Avenue and Central Blvd. Officers heard gunshots and ran toward them, Chief Smith said. Huge crowds of people streamed in all directions in the area.
• Minutes later | A second report of shots fired near Orange Avenue and Washington Street, not far away. He was quickly attacked by officers, the chief said.

What do we know about the alleged suspect?

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith identified the suspected shooter as a 17-year-old boy. The teenager was armed with a handgun, 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 investigators have spoken with the suspect.

The boss also mentioned that the suspect was arrested for grand theft back in 2023. Details on this case were not immediately available.

Smith said the 17-year-old had not been downtown long before the shooting and did not appear to have visited any of the stores.

“He basically went downtown, took to the streets and did what he did,” Chief Smith said.

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

From a vantage point, one can watch crowds of people strolling the entire length of Orange Avenue, which is not uncommon in downtown Orlando on a holiday weekend. Moments later, crowds of people suddenly start running.

Several police officers can then be seen 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 being hit.

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