Two dead, six injured in mass shooting during Halloween celebrations in downtown Orlando

According to police, a 17-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting

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

Police said they received reports of gunfire in downtown Orlando near Orange Avenue and Central Blvd on Friday, November 1 at approximately 1:07 a.m. local time.

“Within minutes, officers witnessed a second shooting south of Washington Street on Orange Avenue,” Orlando police shared in a release obtained by PEOPLE.

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

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

According to the release, the victims range from 19 to 39 years old.

Shortly after the shooting, a suspect was spotted and arrested. 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 are continuing to investigate the shooting. “As we gather more information, we will provide you with another update,” Smith said.

According to local media WKMG TV And NBC NewsSmith said there were between 50,000 and 100,00 people downtown celebrating Halloween at the time of the shooting.

“Nearly 100 officers were patrolling downtown at the time of the shooting due to the large crowd expected on Halloween,” the release said.

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

“Orlando Police are conducting a shooting investigation in downtown Orlando,” the message said. “We are still gathering information and interviewing witnesses. We will have more information later this morning.”

The message was followed by a update read: “UPDATE: Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith will provide an update to media at OPD headquarters at 4:45 a.m.”