The tragic mass shooting in downtown Orlando early Friday has left two people dead and several others injured.
The Orlando Police Department has identified the two individuals who lost their lives as Timothy Schmidt Jr., 19, and Tyrek Hill, 25.
The incident, which erupted shortly after 1 a.m. near Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, saw thousands of people gathered to celebrate Halloween.
Schmidt, a freshman at the University of Central Florida from Weston, was remembered for his ambition and dedication.
A GoFundMe page, organized by Jacob Engozi of Fort Lauderdale, was set up to support Schmidt’s family, noting that he had aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps as a successful businessman.
The fundraiser has garnered significant support, raising over $35,000 from more than 900 donors by Saturday afternoon.
Hill’s background remains largely undisclosed at this time, but the shooting has profoundly impacted the community as nine people were shot, including Schmidt and Hill, while seven others sustained injuries.
Two of the injured were reported in critical condition, and a tenth person was hurt after falling and being trampled in the chaotic scene that ensued.
The violence continued moments later, with more gunfire breaking out at Washington Street and Orange Avenue.
Authorities swiftly responded, apprehending 17-year-old Jaylen Edgar, who was seen fleeing amid the panicked crowd.
Edgar now faces serious charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder. He waived his initial court appearance on Saturday morning.
