A woman, Taylon Nichelle Celestine, 22, checked out of a Florida hotel on Monday and reportedly informed staff that she intended to embark on a God-directed shooting spree due to the North American solar eclipse that day. She allegedly proceeded to shoot at two drivers on Interstate 10 before being apprehended by the state’s highway patrol.
Celestine, hailing from Georgia, entered the highway in Bonifay, approximately 115 miles (180km) from the Alabama border in Florida’s panhandle region and drove westward. Within a five-mile (8km) stretch, she discharged her firearm into a passing car multiple times, causing damage and injuring the driver’s arm.
Florida Highway Shooting Suspect: God Sent Me Due to Eclipse (Credits: PEOPLE)
Continuing her spree, Celestine targeted a second vehicle, hitting the driver in the neck. The injured driver received medical treatment at a hospital. After covering approximately 16 miles (26km), troopers intercepted Celestine and discovered her in possession of an AR-15 rifle and a 9mm handgun. Subsequently, she was arrested and booked into Holmes County jail.
Celestine faced charges including attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and improper discharge of a firearm. Details regarding bail or legal representation were not provided by the Florida Highway Patrol.
This incident underscores concerns regarding the accessibility of firearms in the United States and the potential for individuals to carry out random attacks. Calls for stricter gun control measures by federal lawmakers have intensified in response to such events, though substantive legislative action has been limited.
