Shooting Reported At Orlando High-Rise; Reports Of 8 Shot

On top of yesterday’s grim news from Fort Hood, comes this breaking story out of Florida:

Firefighters and police responded to a reported shooting Friday at a high-rise building in Orlando, Florida.

Authorities received a report shortly before noon of a shooting on an upper floor of the office building, said John Tormos of the Orlando Fire Department.

CNN affiliate WESH reported that at least eight people were shot at the Gateway Center — a 16-story building.

Police cars and emergency vehicles surrounded the area, video showed. It also showed people fleeing.

Note on the side of the story: “CNN affiliate WESH reports that at least eight people were shot.”

More from AP:

People are streaming out of an office building in downtown Orlando, Fla., where officials say a shooter is on the loose.

Orange County Sheriff’s Spokesman Jim Solomons says his department is backing up Orlando police and they’re still looking for an armed man wearing a light blue polo shirt and jeans.

The Legions Place office building in downtown Orlando was ordered on lockdown Friday afternoon as officers began a floor-by-floor evacuation.

Orlando Police Sgt. Barbara Jones confirms there has been a shooting but can’t say how many people are hurt.

The Orlando Fire Department tells WESH-TV that at least eight people are injured. Interstate 4 is closed in both directions through downtown and a nearby school is locked down.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Police in Orlando say they have surrounded a Florida high-rise after gun shots were fired.

The Legions Place office building in downtown Orlando was ordered on lockdown Friday afternoon as officers began a floor-by-floor evacuation.

Orlando Police Sgt. Barbara Jones confirms there has been a shooting but could not say how many people, if any, were hurt.

Orlando Fire Department spokeswoman Vicky Robles tells WESH 2 a shooter has not been taken into custody.

“2 Dead, 6 Injured In Orlando Shooting”, Jacksonville’s WJXT reports.

As with yesterday, more as it comes in.

Update: Video: Orlando shooting suspect Jason Rodriguez: “They Left Me to Rot.”