2 people dead, 6 injured in mass shooting during Halloween celebrations in downtown Orlando

Police said a 17-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the shooting

Two people were killed and six others injured in a shooting on Halloween night in Orlando, Florida.

Police said they received a report of a shooting in downtown Orlando, in the area of ​​Orange Avenue and Central Blvd, around 1:07 a.m. local time on Friday, November 1.

“Within minutes, officers witnessed a second shooting south of Washington Street at Orange Avenue,” the Orlando Police Department said in a news release obtained by PEOPLE.

Speaking at a press conference shared by local media FOX 35 OrlandoOrlando Police Chief Eric Smith confirmed that two people were killed and six others were taken to the hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

“The victims are currently in stable condition,” Smith said of the injured, who were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center.

According to the release, the victims are between 19 and 39 years old.

The suspect was found shortly after the shooting and taken to custody. Police identified him as 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, according to the release.

“He was previously arrested for theft in 2023.” Smith said.

Police continue to investigate the shooting. “As we gather more information, we will provide another update,” Smith said.

According to local media WKMG-TV AND NBC NewsSmith said between 50,000 and 100,000 people were celebrating Halloween downtown at the time of the shooting.

“At the time of the shooting, nearly 100 officers were patrolling downtown due to large crowds expected on Halloween,” the release said.

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Before the press conference, Orlando police posted about the shooting on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“The Orlando Police Department is investigating a shooting in downtown Orlando,” the post read. “We are still collecting information and interviewing witnesses. We will have more information this morning.”

After fasting he appeared update reading: “UPDATE: Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith will provide an update to the media at OPD headquarters at 4:45 a.m.”