Ormond-by-the-Sea, Fla. — Law enforcement officials confirmed that a sniper fatally shot a man after he unleashed a barrage of bullets in a Florida condominium complex, causing alarm among residents and prompting a strenuous police response. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office identified the shooter as 56-year-old Joseph DiFusco, who fired over 200 rounds during the incident on Thursday.
The tense situation began early in the day when DiFusco started shooting at vehicles and other condos in the Kingston Shores condominiums. He also targeted a sheriff’s office vehicle as it approached the area. Deputies swiftly moved to evacuate nearby residents and redirect traffic to ensure safety, as gunfire continued to erupt.
For hours, the only information available was that the unidentified shooter was continually firing shots, creating a climate of uncertainty and fear. It wasn’t until early afternoon that authorities confirmed the shooter had been neutralized by a sniper from the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood revealed that DiFusco did not respond to negotiation attempts and continued his assault on the community and responding units. Remarkably, no other injuries were reported despite the extended exchange of gunfire.
At 1:37 p.m., authorities confirmed that DiFusco had been killed. Evidence from the scene showed extensive damage with numerous bullet holes marking walls throughout the complex, highlighting the severity of the assault.
The motive behind DiFusco’s violent actions remains unclear as authorities have yet to determine why he targeted the condominiums. Additionally, details regarding the type of weapon used or the exact amount of ammunition DiFusco had with him were not immediately disclosed.
Investigations revealed that DiFusco was staying in a vacation rental property through Airbnb at Kingston Shores, and it is suspected he may have brought the weapons used in the shooting from outside the state. Originally from Connecticut, DiFusco was also reportedly off medications he was required to take, but officials have not confirmed if this was a factor in the incident.
No prior criminal records for DiFusco were found in the Volusia County Branch Jail database, adding another layer of complexity to understanding the motivations behind his actions. The community, while relieved by the resolution of the crisis, remains shaken by the violence that disrupted their peaceful neighborhood.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, and efforts are underway to support the affected community members as they recover from the traumatic experience.