On Wednesday afternoon, a TV reporter and a nine-year-old girl were shot in a public shooting near Orlando. The incident occurred near the site of a homicide that had occurred just hours before. Orange County Sheriff John Mina announced that a suspect named Keith Melvin Moses, 19, who is suspected of carrying out both attacks, has been apprehended.
“I want to acknowledge what a horrible day this has been for our community and our media partners. I work closely with all of you and know many of you and know the very difficult job that you do and also the very important job that you do for our community and for law enforcement,” Mina was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. “No one in our community – not a mother, not a nine-year-old and certainly not news professionals – should become the victim of gun violence in our community.”
The accused went into a nearby home and shot the little girl and her mother after assaulting the journalist
The suspect hasn’t said much so far, and it’s unclear whether he knew the victims personally. He already has a criminal record that includes charges ranging from aggravated battery, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and grand theft. Before taking cover, the alleged gunman shot a woman who has yet to be identified inside a car. He returned to the crime scene and fired once more. He went into a nearby home and shot the little girl and her mother after assaulting the journalist. The latter is currently in critical condition in a hospital.
White House released a statement in the aftermath of the incident and showed condolences for the families of the victims. “Our hearts go out to the family of the journalist killed today and the crew member injured in Orange County, Florida, as well as the whole Spectrum News team,” tweeted Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “Our hearts are also with the other shooting victims today, their families, and the entire community. Too many lives are being ripped apart by gun violence,” she added. Gun violence has become a major issue in the United States. Mass shootings have become commonplace, with several high-profile incidents resulting in significant casualties.
