A man has been arrested in Tampa, Florida, in a mass shooting that occurred during Halloween festivities early Sunday. Two people were tragically killed and 18 others were injured, according to the police.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw stated during a news conference that at least two shooters opened fire in the Ybor City area before 3 a.m. On Sunday, the detectives arrested Tyrell Stephen Phillips, 22, in connection with the shooting. Phillips has been charged with second-degree murder with a firearm.
“My heart goes out to the families,” said Bercaw in an online news briefing. He described the gun violence as “extremely tragic” and emphasized that the police would not tolerate it.
Authorities initially mentioned that one suspect was in custody and another was being pursued, but Bercaw did not disclose whether they were seeking additional suspects after Phillips’ arrest.
“We make arrests quickly,” Bercaw stated during the briefing. “We have a sense of urgency, and if you are carrying a gun out there, you will be held accountable.”
It is currently unknown if Phillips has legal representation, and he is being held in jail until his initial court appearance on Monday, as confirmed by officials and local reports.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, a former city police chief, expressed her sorrow that Tampa is once again in the national spotlight due to “another shooting in our country.”
“As a nation, we must declare that enough is enough,” she emphasized.
The fight broke out in the early morning in an area filled with bars and clubs that were historically part of Tampa’s cigar industry. In recent years, the area has become known for its vibrant nightlife. Tampa police spokeswoman Jonee Lewis mentioned that “hundreds” of people were present on the streets at the time of the shootings as many nightspots had just closed.
The names of the individuals killed have not been released, but Emmitt Wilson confirmed that his 14-year-old son, Elijah, was one of the victims. Wilson arrived at the scene after receiving a call about his son’s involvement.
“It’s unbelievable to me. I don’t even feel like I’m here right now,” said Wilson. “I hope the investigators do their job.”
Online videos show people, some in Halloween costumes, socializing and drinking on the street when a series of shots rang out, followed by more shots seconds later. Chaos ensued, with people knocking over tables and seeking cover behind them. Post-incident videos depict police officers tending to several wounded individuals lying on the ground.
“It was a disturbance or a fight between two groups. And in this fight between two groups, innocent people who happened to be in the vicinity were put in harm’s way,” Bercaw explained.
He did not provide specific details about the victims’ injuries, but officials later confirmed that most of those injured had been treated and released from local hospitals.
The police are currently investigating the cause of the fight between the two groups, according to Bercaw.
Castor attributed Sunday’s shootings to the easy access to firearms.
“Once again, lives have been senselessly lost due to individuals choosing to resolve disputes with guns. Lives are lost, and others are forever changed. To what end?” Castor questioned. “The Tampa Police Department had 50 officers deployed in the area at the time, so this is not an issue solely for law enforcement.
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