Authorities reported that a 16-year-old gunman injured ten people during a private gathering at a Florida party venue after a fight broke out on early Sunday.
Teen Injures 10 Persons at Florida Party Venue
A security guard swiftly controlled and disarmed the shooter, while another guard constrained him until sheriff's deputies arrived, according to an arrest report from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
None of the ten casualties sustained life-threatening injuries, with the victims getting medication at a local hospital from gunshot wounds, mainly below the waist, as declared by the sheriff's office.
The circumstances emphasize the continuous issue of gun violence in America, showcasing the difficulties faced by law enforcement in reducing attacks, especially as youths gain easy access to guns.
The 16-year-old suspect was arrested and taken to a youth detention center, facing liabilities including attempted homicide, discharging a firearm in a public place, using a gun during a felony, and illegal possession of guns by a minor.
The shooting happened during a crowded late-night event at Cabana Live in Sanford, roughly 20 miles north of Orlando. Witnesses reported that the incident erupted following a fistfight, with an uninvolved person drawing a handgun and shooting into the crowd.
A security guard promptly interceded, wrestling the gunman to the ground and disarming him. Deputies assisting the private security at the venue arrived swiftly, arresting the teenager. They recovered a 9mm handgun and spent shell casings matching the gun's magazine, according to the arrest report.
Cabana Live's Facebook page mentioned that the venue was hosting a private event during the shooting, ensuring the safety of its employees. Further comments were not provided, but the post stated cooperation between the venue and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office and they offered prayers for those involved.
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Teens Arrested for Mass Shooting Incident at Birthday Party
Three teens from Alabama have been arrested and indicted of killing about the shooting incident at a "Sweet 16" birthday party last April 16, 2023, which led to four deaths and 32 injuries, according to state police reports on Wednesday.
During a news conference, Sergeant Jeremy Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency stated the arrest of two suspects, 17-year-old Ty Reik McCullough and 16-year-old Travis McCullough, both from Tuskegee.
They were liable with four counts of negligent killing. Shortly afterward, the agency disclosed the arrest of a third person, 20-year-old Wilson LaMar Hill Jr., from Auburn, who was also liable with four counts of negligent killing, according to a press release.
The shooting occurred at the Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio in Dadeville, situated about 50 miles northeast of Montgomery, Alabama.
Sergeant Burkett emphasized the state's stringent stance on gun violence, stating, "Make no mistake. This is Alabama and when you pull out a gun and you start shooting people, we're going to put you in jail."
Among the injured, nine remained hospitalized, with five in critical condition, as confirmed by Heidi Smith, a spokesperson for Lake Martin Community Hospital, during a Monday news conference.
The victims included three teenagers and a 23-year-old man. One of the deceased teenagers was identified as Phil Dowdell, who was set to graduate soon and had plans to attend Jacksonville State University on a football scholarship. The other fatalities were named Shaunkivia Smith, 17, Marsiah Collins, 19, and Corbin Holston, 23.
These circumstances, along with the latest gun violence in Tennessee and Kentucky, have reignited calls for stricter gun control measures.
Mass shootings have become alarmingly regular in the United States, with at least 165 circumstances recorded in 2023, marking the highest number at this point in the year since at least 2016, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive.
