ORLANDO, Fla. — Two years after a deadly Halloween shooting in downtown Orlando, people returned to the area Saturday night to celebrate, while police increased their presence to help keep crowds safe.

On November 1, 2024, gunfire broke out along Orange Avenue, killing 19-year-old Timothy Schmidt, Jr. and 25-year-old Tyrek Hill. Seven others were injured.

For some people who were downtown that night, the memories remain fresh.

Nina Hysa, the manager of Eagle’s Pizza, said she was working when people suddenly began running through the area.

“And then out of nowhere, it just a whole bunch of people just started running, and then we just kind of were like, ‘Oh, snap. Like something went down,’” Hysa said.

She said police eventually ordered nearby businesses, including the pizza shop, to shut down.

Hysa said the shooting also had a lasting impact on business. In the days that followed, businesses had to close earlier, and fewer customers were coming downtown.

“Not a lot of people were coming out as much and it was a lot slower. It definitely changed business,” Hysa said.

Fabian Rene was also downtown when the shooting happened. He said he was about 30 feet away from the gunfire and took cover near a truck.

“I mean, I did feel bad because I went home alive and breathing and okay. And somebody else didn’t,” Rene said.

Despite what he experienced, Rene said the shooting did not stop him from returning downtown.

Others celebrating Halloween Saturday said they were aware of the shooting, but still felt comfortable visiting the area.

Chris Pierre, who moved to Orlando about three months ago, said he noticed a significant police presence downtown.

“I feel like, honestly, the police presence (is) a lot more than I’ve seen in my city of Philadelphia,” Pierre said.

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said the department planned a large police presence for Halloween, especially with the holiday falling on a Saturday this year.

Officers were expected to be stationed throughout downtown, including on street corners and bike patrols. Police vehicles and additional security measures were also part of the department’s preparations.

“Well, of course, we’ll have a very large presence downtown. We have a lot of security initiatives that will be in place,” Smith said.

Smith said the department would not publicly discuss all of its security measures to prevent people from finding ways around them.

For Hysa, this Halloween is an opportunity for downtown businesses and visitors to move forward.

She said that crowds have returned to the area, and she hopes the holiday brings a positive night for everyone.

“I think a lot of people are going to come out, dress up and have good vibes. I’m hoping it’s just going to go good overall,” Hysa said.