On Sunday, authorities in Tampa, Florida, detained and charged a 22-year-old man in connection with a shooting that killed two people and injured at least 16.
As people celebrated Halloween, gun violence erupted in the early hours of Sunday at a number of nightclubs and clubs. At least two shooters opened fire just before 3 a.m. (0700 GMT) in the Ybor City area, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said later in the day at a news conference at the scene.
“There was a commotion or a fight between two groups.” And in this brawl between two gangs, there were hundreds of innocent bystanders,” Bercaw explained.
What exactly do we know?
According to police, the 22-year-old apprehended has been charged with the second-degree murder of a 14-year-old kid and a 20-year-old man as a result of a confrontation between two groups.
While authorities had previously stated that one suspect had been captured and another was being sought, Bercaw did not specify if the police were still looking for anyone else following the arrest.
“We make arrests quickly,” Bercaw remarked during the press conference. “We have a sense of urgency and if you are going to be out there with a gun, you are going to pay for it.”
Bercaw described the shootings as “extremely tragic.”
“My heart goes out to the families,” he told reporters.
Emmitt Wilson, the 14-year-old victim’s father, expressed faith that the investigators will do their job. “It’s insane to me.” Wilson stated, “I don’t even feel like I’m here right now.”
While five of the injured were still hospitalised, authorities said in a statement that others were treated and released soon after.
In response to the gun violence
Videos on the microblogging network X, formerly Twitter, showed individuals fleeing for shelter as numerous gunshots were fired.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, a former city police chief, blamed the shooting on easy access to firearms on Sunday.
“Yet another senseless loss of life caused by those who choose to settle a dispute with firearms.” Lives were lost, while others were permanently altered. “What is the goal?” Castor inquired.
Bercaw stated that the police were still looking into the cause of the conflict between the two groups.
