Two Arrested in Fourth of July Downtown Pensacola Shooting

PENSACOLA, FL (BuzzReport)— A Fourth of July celebration in downtown Pensacola that ended in gunfire has now led to the arrests of two people, including a Daphne, Alabama, man, as investigators continue working to determine whether additional charges will be filed.

The Pensacola Police Department announced that 26-year-old Nicholas Safford of Daphne was taken into custody in connection with the Independence Day shooting. Safford faces charges of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, and discharging a firearm.

Authorities also arrested 25-year-old Pensacola resident Lillian Meyers, who has been charged with public order crimes and obstructing justice.

According to Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom, investigators believe Meyers allegedly took possession of the firearm used during the shooting and removed it from the scene after the gunfire erupted, an action police say hindered the investigation.

Despite the arrests, Chief Winstrom emphasized that no one has been charged with homicide at this time, signaling that detectives are continuing to gather evidence and determine whether additional criminal charges are warranted.

Investigators have released few details about what led to the shooting or whether the suspects knew the victim or victims involved. Police have also not disclosed whether additional suspects are being sought.

The Fourth of July shooting disrupted what had been a holiday filled with celebrations and drew a large law enforcement response to the downtown entertainment district. The arrests represent a significant step in the investigation, but authorities say the case remains far from over.

Detectives continue to process evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the events that unfolded before, during, and after the shooting.

The Pensacola Police Department has not released any additional information and says the investigation remains active. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Pensacola Police Department or submit a tip through the appropriate local crime reporting channels.