Halloween shooting in Tampa leaves two dead, 18 injured.
A deadly shooting occurred during Halloween celebrations in Tampa, Florida, resulting in two fatalities and 18 people hospitalized. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw revealed that at least two shooters opened fire on East 7th Avenue in the Ybor City area. The incident happened amidst a crowd of late-night revelers near bars and clubs, making it unclear whether the individuals involved had been inside these establishments before the shooting.
Tampa police detained one person but hadn’t filed charges at the time. The victims’ identities haven’t been disclosed, but one father, Emmitt Wilson, confirmed the loss of his 14-year-old son, Elijah, in the incident. A video posted online captured the chaotic scene, with people in Halloween costumes fleeing as shots rang out. Police attended to numerous wounded individuals on the ground after the ordeal.
The motive behind the fight that led to the shooting is still under investigation. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the issue of easy access to firearms as a significant problem, stating that the presence of law enforcement officers in the area was not a solution. The scene of the shooting, in the historic Ybor City, remained quiet the following morning, with police cordoning off the area.
Two young women expressed concerns about the area’s safety, acknowledging the frequent crime in Ybor City, particularly during late-night hours when bars close and crowds gather. They cited the chaotic and messy atmosphere that often ensues in the area when everyone converges.
