The Orlando Halloween Mass Shooting has become more serious as the State Attorney's Office decided to charge the 17-year-old suspect as an adult. During the attack, nine people were shot, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. A woman was also hurt while trying to escape. The suspect, Jaylen Dewayne Edgar, was arrested shortly after the incident on Friday.

Prosecutors have filed two counts of Second Degree Murder with a Firearm and one count of Attempted Murder with a Firearm against Edgar. According to the State Attorney’s Office, there is ongoing deliberation on additional charges as the investigation proceeds. Florida law stipulates the use of a grand jury for all First-Degree Murder charges, a process the State Attorney's Office plans to initiate soon.

The severity of the crime influenced the decision to try Edgar as an adult. State Attorney Andrew Bain spoke on the matter, "This decision was not made lightly and only after a review of all available evidence," further stating, "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." Edgar's act of opening fire into the dense crowd of 75,000 downtown revelers has been noted as an indication of "a total disregard for life," adding to the pressing need for adult-level charges, according to State Attorney’s Office press release.

As the legal process continues, the Orlando Police Department is investigating the shooting and asking the public for help. Anyone with videos or information from that night should contact the OPD's non-emergency number. The Victim Service Center of Central Florida supports those affected by the trauma.