Gunfire erupted in the midst of Halloween festivities early on Sunday around a clutch of bars and clubs in the Florida city of Tampa, leaving at least two dead and 18 injured, police said. A fight between two groups broke out around 3 a.m. in the historic neighborhood of Ybor City, police said, while hundreds of people filled the streets as the clubs and bars closed and then ran for their lives when the shooting began. Videos posted on social media site X showed a chaotic scene of crowds of people running through the streets with the sound of at least a dozen shots ringing out. The videos showed police scrambling to give aid to costumed victims bleeding on the sidewalks.

According to a Tampa police report, "While early in the investigation, indications are that an altercation between two groups escalated to gunfire, resulting in one male subject dying at the scene and 19 victims being transported to nearby hospitals." Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed his condolences for the victims impacted by the senseless act and assured that the detectives are committed to holding those involved accountable.

During a press conference at the scene, Chief Bercaw stated that one person has been detained and police are actively searching for other suspected shooters. He explained that the fight between the two groups quickly turned deadly in the street with a large number of revelers. Officers responded to the shooting just before 3 a.m. on the 1600 block of East 7th Avenue in the Ybor City area.

Bercaw mentioned that authorities believe there were at least two shooters involved and it's yet to be determined whether all 18 injured individuals suffered from gunshot wounds or other injuries. He emphasized the tragic nature of the incident, stating, "It is tragic what happened here, that families have to wake up and see on the news what happened here tonight." The police chief urged the community to come forward with any tips or videos that could aid in the investigation.

The fight broke out in an area filled with several bars and clubs, attracting a large number of late-night revelers. Bercaw noted that it is still unclear if the people involved in the fight were inside any of the bars before the shooting. Videos posted online captured the terrifying moment when shots rang out, causing a stampede among the Halloween costume-clad crowd. People toppled over metal tables and sought cover behind them. After the gunfire ceased, police officers were seen providing aid to several wounded individuals lying on the ground.

Bercaw confirmed that one suspect had turned himself in and investigators believe that there were multiple shooters involved. The motive behind the fight between the two groups is still under investigation. Fortunately, none of the officers present at the scene were injured. This incident marks at least the second mass shooting in the U.S. following a recent tragedy in Maine where 18 people were killed and many more injured.

As authorities continue their investigation, the Tampa community is urged to cooperate and provide any information that could help bring justice to those responsible. The motive behind the fight, as well as any potential gang-related affiliations, will be thoroughly explored in the ongoing investigation. It is a somber reminder of the violence that can occur in seemingly festive environments, and serves as a call for increased vigilance and safety measures during public celebrations.