Authorities announced on Monday that the 17-year-old accused of a shooting in Orlando, Florida, which resulted in two deaths and eight injuries during last week’s Halloween festivities, will be charged as an adult.

Jaylen Dwayne Edgar faces two counts of second-degree murder with a firearm and one count of attempted murder with a firearm, as stated by State Attorney Andrew Bain. The matter will be taken to a grand jury, which could elevate the charges to first-degree murder, Bain indicated.

Edgar may also face more charges as the investigation progresses, according to reports.

Bain emphasized that this decision took extensive deliberation and was based on a thorough assessment of all available evidence. “I have personally reviewed all available records and video evidence in this case and there is no question this individual should be charged as an adult,” he stated.

Last week, around 75,000 people were in downtown Orlando celebrating Halloween when the gunfire erupted. Early Friday morning, two individuals were fatally shot and seven others were injured, according to authorities.

Additionally, another victim was hospitalized after suffering injuries from being trampled while trying to escape, Bain reported. The age of the victims ranged from 19 to 39, according to Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith.

Edgar was quickly identified by responding officers as the shooter and was arrested just moments after the incident. Prosecutors are collaborating with the Orlando Police Department during the investigation and are requesting the public to share any videos or photos from that night.

Bain remarked, “To shoot into a massive crowd like that shows a total disregard for life, and the only appropriate action is to charge the defendant as an adult considering the severity of the crime.”

Details of the downtown Orlando shooting

According to Chief Smith, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 1 a.m. Friday near Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, and witnessed a second shooting occurring approximately a block away.

In total, nine people were struck by gunfire, with two fatalities confirmed by police. The other six victims were sent to Orlando Regional Medical Center and are reported to be in stable condition, Smith said.

One additional victim with a gunshot wound made their way to a local hospital independently, police added.

Authorities released both surveillance and body-camera footage showing the crowded streets when the suspect opened fire, prompting chaos as people fled in panic. Within moments, eight officers surrounded the victim.

Shortly after, footage showed the suspect navigating through the crowd before discharging more shots, leading to his immediate apprehension as he tried to leave the scene.

The shooting took place during one of the city’s most bustling nights, with tens of thousands in attendance to celebrate Halloween. About 100 officers were on duty at the time for security, according to Smith.

This incident adds to the growing issue of mass shootings in the United States, with the Gun Violence Archive reporting at least 445 mass shootings this year, defined as events involving four or more victims.