Uncle of Bride Fatally Shot by Police at Florida Wedding, Authorities Say

After a man was shot and killed while attending his niece's wedding, the man's family is saying that his death was the result of an unjustified shooting.

Police say 39-year-old Daniel Knight was celebrating his niece's wedding at the Winter Park Events Center in Winter Park, Florida near Orlando and he began attempting to start fights with other guests.

A 911 caller reportedly told dispatchers that a guest was "assaulting guests at the wedding reception to include grabbing people by the neck and shoving people to the floor," and "grabbing an older woman and shoving her."

Audio from the 911 call described Knight as being shirtless, drunk and "very violent."

Police officers responded to the situation where they say Knight began to get physical with them and knocked one officer unconscious with a punch before attacking another officer.

Police say a crowd began to form around the two officers and that's when one of them fired their service weapon at Knight. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he ultimately died.

"On arrival, one of the officers began speaking with Mr. Knight when the officer was physically attacked by him, leaving the officer unconscious and on the ground. Mr. Knight then physically attacked a second officer, as a crowd began to surround the injured officers. During the physical altercation, the second officer discharged his weapon striking Mr. Knight. Mr. Knight was transported to Advent Health Orlando hospital where he succumbed to his injuries," a police report states.

The two officers were also taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Knight's family hired an attorney and wants to "get the entire truth out" about what happened.

Knight's niece sent the following statement to WESH:

"He was a kind gentle soul, and his only crime committed that night was drinking and having a good time with his family... This shooting was unjustified and we are working with a lawyer and the FDLE to get the entire truth out."

Officials say the officer who fired the shot was placed on administrative duty which is a standard procedure.


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