The families of Timothy Schmidt Jr. and Tyrek Hill, who were tragically killed during a mass shooting in downtown Orlando last Halloween, have announced plans to file a lawsuit against the city of Orlando, its police department, and various businesses and event organizers.
According to CBS Orlando affiliate WKMG News 6, the lawsuit, represented by the Haggard Law Firm, alleges negligence in crowd control, security planning, and overall public safety measures during the large-scale event that drew approximately 75,000 attendees.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on November 1, 2024, when 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar allegedly opened fire into the crowd. This attack resulted in the deaths of Schmidt and Hill, injuries to seven others from gunfire, and one individual being trampled amid the chaos. Edgar was arrested at the scene and faces charges that include two counts of second-degree murder and six counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm.
During a news conference, family members expressed their grief and the profound impact of their losses. Timothy Schmidt Sr. lamented the future milestones he would miss with his son, while Teresa Clinton, Hill’s mother, shared her heartbreak over losing her “gentle giant.”
Attorney Michael Haggard emphasized the need for accountability, questioning the adequacy of security measures and the coordination between public and private entities during the event. He raised concerns about prior interactions between law enforcement and the suspect earlier that evening, as well as the implications of Florida’s 2024 permitless concealed carry law, which limited police authority to conduct weapons checks at public gatherings.
In response to the incident, Orlando officials have implemented changes to enhance downtown safety. These changes include reopening streets to vehicular traffic during late-night hours and modifying crowd control strategies to mitigate the “street-party atmosphere” that previously characterized the area.
The Haggard Law Firm has a history of representing families affected by mass shootings, including those involved in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy in 2018 and the 2023 Dollar General shooting in Jacksonville.
