The family is demanding the truth and calling for murder charges against responding police officers after the uncle of the bride, Daniel Knight, was shot and killed at the wedding reception following a 911 call.
The family said that the police are lying about what happened when they killed Knight at the wedding reception at Winter Park Events Center on Morse Boulevard, Fox10 Pheonix reports.
The shooting at the wedding
On Saturday night at a wedding in Winter Park, Wesh News reported that responders received a 911 call at 9:30 PM, saying that a guest was "assaulting guests at the wedding reception" and that the guest was grabbing people by the neck shoving people to the floor. The call described the guest as shirtless, drunk, and "very violent." The caller also reported that the assault was getting bad and said that "anybody of authority" was making him angry.
The caller said the assault was getting bad. Police later identified Daniel Knight,39, the uncle of the bride, as the guest reportedly doing the assault.
Knight was beating people inside the event center and then outside, according to Winter Park Police Lt. Lisa Suepat.
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According to police, the officer attempted to move Knight from other guests, but Knight allegedly punched the officer and knocked him unconscious.
The police also told Wesh News that Mr. Knight then moved towards the second officer. The second officer was reported to deploy his taser, which resulted in no change in behavior. Knight also struck the second officer, causing him to fall. He continued to attack the second fallen officer, who shot him.
Officers said they provided Knight with medical aid until medics arrived. Medics said they took Knight to a hospital where he died.
Knight's family, on the other hand, said that Daniel Knight was having a good time and not fighting anyone. Patricia Keeby, Knight's mother, said the Knight just had a bit to drink, as he was excited about his niece's wedding. He was also happy and was hugging everyone, the family said.
The Winter Park Police confirmed that Knight was not armed.
The two police officers were taken to the hospital for non-threatening injuries. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement handled the investigation of the shooting.
Misunderstanding of the situation
The bride, who was Knight's niece, told WESH 2 News that Knight was a "kind, gentle soul." The bride further explained that his only committed crime was drinking and having a good time with the family" that fateful night. The bride also said that the shooting was unjustified and the family is working with lawyers to "get the entire truth."
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) said that they are currently interviewing witnesses and officers, collecting and analyzing evidence, and establishing the timeline of events. The FDLE assured the family that they would present its findings to the state attorney's office.
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