The Orange County, Florida, sheriff held news conference Monday on the shooting that took place near Orlando. Police said it appeared to be a workplace incident and not terrorism-related.
A 45-year-old man opened fire Monday at an awning business near Orlando, killing five, before turning the gun on himself, police said.
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said during a news conference that the shooting was likely a “workplace violence incident,” adding that there was no indication that the gunman was a participant in a terror organization. The suspect has yet to be identified.
Demings said the suspect was armed with a handgun and a knife, which he didn’t appear to have used. The gunman was a former employee of the business he targeted; he was fired in April.
Authorities also found that the suspect was also accused of assaulting a co-worker at the same business three year ago. No charges were filed at that time, Demings said.
Earlier Monday morning, Orange County police confirmed “multiple fatalities” after a shooting near Orlando, Florida, on Monday morning.
OCSO working shooting scene that has stabilized. Multiple fatalities. Situation contained. Sheriff will brief as soon as info is accurate.
— OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) June 5, 2017
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said on its Twitter account that law enforcement was at the scene, adding that the “situation” has been contained.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement that he and his wife “are praying for the families who lost loved ones today.”
“I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence,” the governor added.
This is a developing story. PBS NewsHour will update the post as more information becomes available.
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