Florida Shooting: 5, Including Catholic Priest and Alleged Gunman, Dead, 2 Police Officers Injured
A man suspected of murdering a retired Florida priest, the priest's sister, his own grandfather, and another unidentified person was fatally shot outside his family's home by police. The incident involved a shootout, injuring two officers, according to authorities. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

In a devastating incident in Palm Bay, Florida, a retired Catholic priest, Father Robert Hoeffner, and his sister, Sally, were among the four victims killed in Sunday afternoon shootings, according to a statement from the Diocese of Orlando.

The alleged Florida shooting gunman, identified as 24-year-old Brandon Kapas, also killed his grandfather, William Kapas, and another unnamed individual in separate locations, as per the Catholic News Agency.

The motive behind the shootings remains unclear, adding to the shock of the community.

The tragic event unfolded at different locations, with the shootings of the Florida priest and his sister occurring separately from those of Kapas' grandfather and the unnamed victim.

Police Confrontation and Fatal Shootout

The Palm Bay Police Chief, Mariano Augello, addressed the incidents in a news conference, explaining that officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at about 2 PM on January 28.

Kapas had reportedly been disruptive at a family birthday party, and concerns arose about potential weapons in his possession, according to the Miami Herald.

As officers engaged with Kapas outside the house, he refused to comply with their requests and quickly walked toward his car.

The uncle reiterated Kapas' arsenal of weapons in the vehicle, prompting officers to confront him.

Despite attempts to use a Taser, the Florida shooting suspect resisted and shot at the officers, leading to a fatal exchange of gunfire.

Earlier, between the officers' arrival and Kapas emerging from the house, he shot and killed his grandfather.

A subsequent search of the car revealed a significant number of weapons.

Upon discovering the car was not registered to Kapas, officers investigated and traced the registration to an address.

At the location, they found two individuals fatally shot. The victims, confirmed by the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, were identified as a retired Florida priest and his sister.

The police chief commended officers for preventing a potentially more tragic outcome, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding Kapas' intentions.

Response From the Diocese and Community

Bishop John Noonan, overseeing the Orlando Diocese, expressed condolences over the tragic loss of lives, particularly mourning the deaths of Florida priest Father Hoeffner and Sally, Florida Today reports.

The retired Florida priest, who celebrated 50 years in the priesthood, had served at St. Joseph Catholic Church before retiring in 2016.

"We mourn with the St. Joseph Catholic community in Palm Bay over the tragic loss of these four lives as we pray for the repose of their souls and extend our prayers to their families," Noonan wrote.

The Palm Bay Police continue to investigate the connection between Kapas and his victims.

Bishop Noonan's statement extended prayers to the grieving families and the St. Joseph Catholic community.

The shootings have deeply affected multiple families, leaving the community in shock.

William Kapas Jr., expressing his grief, described his father as a role model and highlighted the traumatic time for their family.

"I lost my father. He was my role model. I'm the man I am because of him," said William Kapas Jr. of his father.

The family, deeply connected to St. Joseph Catholic Church, plans to release a statement at a later time, highlighting the struggles that the Florida shooting suspect, Brandon Kapas, faced following his mother's death.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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