Florida Mall closes early after reports of protest over fatal shooting of man by Orange County deputy

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Mall closed several hours early on Friday after reports of protests planned in response to a fatal deputy-involved shooting two weeks ago.

A mall spokesperson said they made the decision to close the doors at 1 p.m., hours before the demonstration started.

‘It’s clear that he was running’: Bodycam video shows the moment a man was fatally shot by a deputy at the Florida Mall

At the start of the protest, just about a dozen people had gathered near The Florida Mall.

This is one of several protests over the last few weeks following a deputy-involved shooting on Aug. 7.

This follows another recent protest after the family of Salaythis Melvin saw the body camera video of his shooting.

Family, attorney for man shot in back by deputy raise more questions following shooting

Many shoppers in the area said they were not aware of the protest and wondered why they were asked to leave the mall early.

Cox Media Group