Tyrell Phillips is the 22-year-old suspect who has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the mass shooting that took place in Tampa, Florida, on October 25, 2023. He is accused of killing two people and injuring 16 others at a Halloween party in the Ybor City neighborhood. He is still at large and considered armed and dangerous.
Phillips is a former Army reservist who had a history of mental health issues and had legally purchased a high-powered rifle days before the rampage. He allegedly opened fire on a crowd of people who were not students of the nearby Worcester State University, where he had worked at various places. He then fled the scene and drove away in a white Subaru Outback.
The motive for the shooting is still unknown, but authorities believe that Phillips knew some of the victims or had some connection with them. Some of the victims were former co-workers or acquaintances of Phillips, who had worked at a recycling center, a pizza shop and a car dealership. Some of the victims were also veterans or reservists like Phillips.
The shooting triggered a massive manhunt that involved hundreds of state and local police officers, federal agents and National Guard troops. They searched for Phillips across several towns and counties, using helicopters, drones, dogs and boats. They also warned the public to stay indoors and report any sightings of Phillips or his vehicle.
The shooting also shocked and saddened the Worcester State University community and the public. The university canceled all weekend activities, including homecoming and family weekend. Counseling services were offered to any students who needed them. Many people expressed their condolences and outrage over the senseless violence.
Tyrell Phillips is the 22-year-old suspect who has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the mass shooting that took place in Tampa, Florida, on October 25, 2023. He is accused of killing two people and injuring 16 others at a Halloween party in the Ybor City neighborhood. He is still at large and considered armed and dangerous. He had a history of mental health problems and had bought a powerful rifle days before the attack. He targeted two locations where he had some ties with some of the victims. He evaded capture for two days before killing himself. His motive remains unclear.
