Reaction pours from across the US after the murder of a News 13 journalist

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida. – Reactions from across the country surged following the death of a News 13 journalist who was among three killed, including a 9-year-old girl and a 20-year-old woman, in a string of shootings in Orange County on Wednesday.

Orange County deputies said 19-year-old Keith Melvin Moses was responsible for the shooting. He was arrested, but so far he has been charged only with the murder of a woman. Sheriff John Mina said he expects more charges as the investigation continues.

Orange County deputies said 19-year-old Keith Melvin Moses was responsible for the shooting. He was arrested, but so far he has been charged only with the murder of a woman. Sheriff John Mina said he expects more charges as the investigation continues. (Copyright 2023 WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)

MPs said they initially found a woman in her 20s shot to death around 11:20 am in the 6100 block of Hialeah Street, Mina said.

Later Wednesday, MPs said Moses returned to the scene of the murder, where a reporter and photographer for Spectrum News 13 was covering the story. MPs said the suspect walked up to the news car and shot both men before walking down Harrington Street and entering a house, where he then shot and killed the woman and her 9-year-old girl.

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The girl’s mother and another News 13 employee remain in the hospital in critical condition after the shooting.

During the press conference, Mina expressed his condolences to the community of journalists covering Central Florida.

“I want to admit that this has been a terrible day for our community and our media partners. I have worked closely with all of you, I know many of you, and I know what a very difficult job you are doing, as well as the very important work you are doing for our community and for law enforcement,” Mina said. “No one in our community – not a mother, not a 9-year-old child, and certainly not news professionals – should be the victim of gun violence in our community.”

Since the news broke, people across the country have expressed similar sentiments, sharing their thoughts on the victims of the shooting and on fellow News 13 journalists.

Dan Shelley, president and CEO of the Radio and Television Digital News Association, tweeted about the tragedy.

With deep sadness @RTDNA learns about the death of @MyNews13 journalist in Orlando. He was one of two radio station journalists shot dead while covering a previous crime in a residential area. Sending thoughts of peace and comfort to their families, friends and other victims. https://t.co/B74aGdJIKv

— Dan Shelley (@MurrowNYC) February 23, 2023

Karine Jean-Pierre, a White House press secretary, also wrote online about the violence.

Our condolences go out to the family of the journalist who was killed today and to the crew member who was injured in Orange County, Florida, and to the entire Spectrum News team.

— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) February 23, 2023

The Society of Professional Journalists reached out to News 13 online.

We express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this journalist and hope that the second Spectrum News 13 journalist is safe and recovering quickly from his injuries.

— Society of Professional Journalists (@spj_tweets) February 23, 2023

The Black Journalists’ Association of Central Florida released a statement about the violence against its members.

Good evening CFABJ family. I would like to express my condolences and prayers to our Spectrum 13 family. Our work can be as dangerous as it is rewarding. Please stay safe here on these streets and know that I am praying for each of you.

CFABJ

Members of the News 6 team also shared their regret about the violence that has befallen our community.

Praying for my former News 13 colleagues.

— Jacob Langston (@jacoblangston) February 23, 2023

My ALL heart goes out to this team. Their families and colleagues must penetrate our hearts. Journalists, it could be any of us, and we need to raise this wonderful team in prayer. I pray for recovery and peace for them. https://t.co/N0HJoMRBah

— Molly Reed (@Mollyreednews) February 23, 2023

One of our Spectrum News 13 colleagues was shot and killed today while covering the murder of a woman in the area. Police say the same shooter killed a 9-year-old girl and shot her mother nearby. https://t.co/x3qkh6G5LD

— Mike DeForest (@DeForestNews6) February 23, 2023

When I left @MyNews13I said how do you say goodbye to the place where you grew up?

I still think of everyone I’ve ever met on News 13 as part of my family. And right now I’m sending them all my love. If you need help let me know. https://t.co/6eeySCv0JH

— Christie Zizo (@ChristieZizo) February 23, 2023

I just don’t have words right now.

Tell someone that you love him.

— Jason Olson (@knightproducer) February 23, 2023

Trying to find words tonight when a fellow journalist was killed, another badly injured. A 9-year-old girl and a 20-year-old teenager also died. I pray for the grieving families, our friends in @MyNews13 and 2 people who are fighting to stay alive tonight.

— Matt Austin (@MattNews6) February 23, 2023

Reactions also came from people outside the media, including law enforcement officials and elected leaders.

Shot while doing hard and often thankless work. @MyNews13 and all the news teams, you are in my heart today. I need you to know that we care about and appreciate the hard work you do and the sacrifices you make. This is a tragedy that shouldn’t have happened https://t.co/8s9x49UF5h

— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) February 23, 2023

“We are stunned and heartbroken to hear the news from Orange County that three people have been mortally wounded and two others are fighting for their lives at the hands of a violent criminal who was on a rampage today. In the course of these senseless and cruel actions, a nine-year-old child and a Spektr-13 journalist were killed, as well as another victim, who was killed this morning. Our prayers are with all the families affected by this terrible event.

We would like the media that reports in Polk County to know that if you are ever in a situation or area where you feel unsafe, please give us a call and we will send assistants to you to protect you. . We appreciate the work you all do and we will always be there to ensure your safety as you do it.”

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd

This is a tragic and sad day, especially for the people of Orange County. It’s hard to put it into words right now, but we ask for your prayers for the affected families and for those who are injured fighting for their lives. https://t.co/zDLLX29jU1

— Florida Sheriffs Association (@FLSheriffs) February 23, 2023

It’s absolutely terrible. My team and I are monitoring the situation closely and praying for these Floridians and their families. https://t.co/4gKw2D64S9

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) February 23, 2023

“We are saddened by the terrible shooting that claimed the lives of innocent victims in Orange County today. We work daily with our local media to accurately report the news, and it is not clear that a journalist was killed doing his job, as well as a child and a young woman. I express my condolences to the families of the victims and I believe this is a strong call for our community to do more to stop this madness. I look forward to meeting with community leaders tomorrow to discuss the next steps to reduce gun violence in our community.”

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings

Two members of the Spectrum News 13 crew were shot and killed at the scene of the murder investigation. Investigators also reacted to the shooting of a 9-year-old girl and her mother. The girl later died.

We must do better in ending gun violence and reducing crime. https://t.co/qjWHUY6fFd

— Rep. Anna V. Escamani (@AnnaForFlorida) February 23, 2023

“We all deserve long, happy lives, uninterrupted by gun violence. My deepest condolences to the victims and their families. Our CHILDREN DIE while my fellow leaders stop and offer nothing but thoughts and prayers. I will fight until it becomes our norm.”

Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost

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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.

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