Orlando authorities have confirmed that a mass shooting in the city’s downtown area overnight left two people dead and six injured. In a news conference early this morning, the Orlando Police Department announced the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect, Jalen Dwayne Edgar, who had previously been arrested in 2023 on charges of grand theft.
The tragic incident unfolded across two locations in downtown Orlando. According to police, the first gunshots were reported just after 1 a.m. near Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, with a second incident occurring shortly after on Orange Avenue south of Washington Street. Officers at the scene observed the shooting in real time and promptly shared Edgar’s description with other units.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith commented on the investigation, stating, “We reviewed the surveillance footage and saw the shooting take place. Officers on the scene witnessed the suspect firing at multiple individuals.”
The victims, ranging in age from 18 to 39, have not yet been publicly identified. Authorities are continuing their investigation, with detectives interviewing Edgar to establish whether the shooting was a targeted attack or a random act of violence.
The Orlando Police Department has yet to release further details regarding a potential motive.
Key Points:
- Incident: A mass shooting in downtown Orlando overnight resulted in two deaths and six injuries.
- Suspect Arrested: The Orlando Police Department arrested 17-year-old Jalen Dwayne Edgar, previously arrested in 2023 for grand theft.
- Locations of Shooting: Shots were fired around 1 a.m. at two locations—near Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, and later on Orange Avenue south of Washington Street.
- Police Response: Surveillance footage captured the incident; police quickly shared the suspect’s description, aiding in his apprehension.
- Victims: The victims, aged 18 to 39, have not yet been identified.
- Ongoing Investigation: Authorities are interviewing the suspect to determine if the attack was targeted or random, with no motive disclosed so far.
