On October 29, 2023, at around 3:00 am, a
mass shooting occurred in the
Ybor City district of
Tampa, Florida, United States, at the popular tourist area of 7th Ave. A fight broke out between two groups, killing a 20-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy, and injuring 16 others. Three suspects have been arrested, one at the scene, while police believe another is at large.[1][2][3][4][5]
Accused
One suspect has been arrested and identified as Tyrell Phillips. According to court documents, Philips told police he got into an altercation with a group of people, resulting in him shooting in fear for his safety.[6] Investigators believe additional people fired during the shooting.[7]
Over a month after the shootings, 14-year-old Kayden Abney[8] and 21-year-old Dwayne Tillman Jr. were arrested and charged in relation to the shootings.[9] Police believe there is sill at least one more shooter at large.
Reactions
A day after the shooting, Gwen Henderson, a Tampa council member, suggested that businesses close at 1am for six months following the shooting. Community members and business owners claimed it was "another gut punch" and would not bring light to the real issues. The proposal was subsequently rejected.[10]
On November 14, Ybor City hosted a meeting to discuss how to move forward after October 29. Speakers at the meeting expressed frustration and disappointment with the city.[11]