Here is an update delivered at 3pm on June 11th based on the information Orlando Police Chief John Mina released at a press conference earlier today.
At about 10:30 p.m. on June 10, Orlando Police responded to a report of a shooting at The Plaza Live. While officers were en route, we received multiple calls from people who had witnessed the shooting or heard gunshots. Officers arrived in approximately two minutes and immediately secured the scene and found that two people had been shot.
Based on our investigation thus far, it appears that the suspect was alone and approached performer Christina Grimmie inside the venue after the show – as she was having a meet and greet with fans – and opened fire. Christina Grimmie’s brother, Marcus, tackled the suspect and shortly after that, the suspect shot and killed himself.
Christina Grimmie died from the gunshot wounds she suffered. Her brother Marcus is a hero and possibly saved countless other lives. He is not injured. There were about 120 people in The Plaza Live at the time of the shooting.
The suspect – who’s identity we will release later today – is a 27 year-old white male. He does not live in Orlando. He was armed with two loaded handguns and had additional ammunition on his person, as well as a hunting knife. Detectives are looking at his phone and computer in hopes of identifying a motive.
The Orlando Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the Grimmie family during this heartbreaking time. OPD detectives are meeting with Christina Grimmie’s family members today.
There was private security at the venue at the time of the shooting, but they were not armed law enforcement officers. There were no OPD Officers hired by the club to work extra duty Friday night. The club posted this update on its Facebook page Saturday: https://www.facebook.com/plazaliveorlando/
We will continue to release updates as the investigation unfolds. Please check Twitter @orlandopolice and this site http://www.cityoforlando.net/police/category/news/ for the most updated information.
PIO Michelle Guido
PIO Sgt. Wanda Miglio