Orlando, Florida Local News
Downtown Orlando businesses see slow weekend after deadly mass shooting
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Business owners in downtown Orlando said foot traffic slowed significantly over the weekend following a deadly mass shooting on Halloween night.The Halloween night shooting, which took place just after 1 a.m. on Friday, left two people dead.The victims were identified as 25-year-old Tyrek Hill and 19-year-old Tim Schmidt Jr., according to the Orlando Police Department. Surveillance footage showed a chaotic scene as patrons scrambled to safety, with club line barricades being used by police to secure the fresh crime scene.Justin Kihano, who owns nightclubs La Rosa and Aura, said his businesses were flooded with people seeking refuge during the incident.Related: Orlando mayor issues curfew, early end to alcohol sales for businesses near downtown shooting”We’re the closest business to the actual shooting. So it was terrifying,” Kihano said.Kihano and his staff safely evacuated patrons, directing them calmly down the staircases to avoid further injuries.Police arrested a suspect, 17-year-old Jaylen Edgar, shortly after a second victim was shot and killed. More: Downtown Orlando mass shooting suspect waives court appearanceSince the incident, Kihano said the streets of downtown Orlando have been far quieter than usual.“I have over 80 employees downtown. I have three clubs down here; this is going to hurt,” Kihano said.While Kihano commended the city for its efforts to improve safety, he voiced concerns about how curfews and restrictions affect businesses. “Do we really have to have a 12 or 1 o’clock curfew when I’m already paying the police to protect the venues?” Kihano asked. He said the incident occurred in the street, not inside a venue, and involved a minor.WESH 2 reached out to Orlando police for details on curfew enforcement and if citations have been issued. We have yet to receive a response.More: WESH 2 Exclusive: Brother of downtown Orlando mass shooting suspect speaks out
Business owners in downtown Orlando said foot traffic slowed significantly over the weekend following a deadly mass shooting on Halloween night.
The Halloween night shooting, which took place just after 1 a.m. on Friday, left two people dead.
The victims were identified as 25-year-old Tyrek Hill and 19-year-old Tim Schmidt Jr., according to the Orlando Police Department.
Surveillance footage showed a chaotic scene as patrons scrambled to safety, with club line barricades being used by police to secure the fresh crime scene.
Justin Kihano, who owns nightclubs La Rosa and Aura, said his businesses were flooded with people seeking refuge during the incident.
Related: Orlando mayor issues curfew, early end to alcohol sales for businesses near downtown shooting
“We’re the closest business to the actual shooting. So it was terrifying,” Kihano said.
Kihano and his staff safely evacuated patrons, directing them calmly down the staircases to avoid further injuries.
Police arrested a suspect, 17-year-old Jaylen Edgar, shortly after a second victim was shot and killed.
More: Downtown Orlando mass shooting suspect waives court appearance
Since the incident, Kihano said the streets of downtown Orlando have been far quieter than usual.
“I have over 80 employees downtown. I have three clubs down here; this is going to hurt,” Kihano said.
While Kihano commended the city for its efforts to improve safety, he voiced concerns about how curfews and restrictions affect businesses.
“Do we really have to have a 12 or 1 o’clock curfew when I’m already paying the police to protect the venues?” Kihano asked.
He said the incident occurred in the street, not inside a venue, and involved a minor.
WESH 2 reached out to Orlando police for details on curfew enforcement and if citations have been issued. We have yet to receive a response.
More: WESH 2 Exclusive: Brother of downtown Orlando mass shooting suspect speaks out
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