Ormond-by-the-Sea, FL — A quiet Thanksgiving morning was shattered by a barrage of gunfire when Joseph DiFusco, from his rented Airbnb condo, fired over 200 rounds, resulting in a nearly six-hour standoff with police that left the shooter dead and the community in disbelief. The violence erupted around 9:30 a.m. on November 28 near the Kingston Shores condominiums where DiFusco was staying.
Authorities said DiFusco, 56, targeted nearby residential units and law enforcement vehicles indiscriminately before barricading himself in his rental unit. Despite efforts to negotiate, the standoff ended fatally for DiFusco when a sniper was called in as he posed an unmitigated threat to officers and residents.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Volusia County recounted how uncommon such episodes are in Ormond-by-the-Sea, a neighborhood known for its serene environment. “We leave our windows open at night and our doors open at night,” echoed resident Jason Valiant, underscoring the shock and disruption caused by the incident.
The situation reportedly stems from DiFusco’s deteriorating mental health. He had recently relocated from Connecticut to Florida. His family had returned north earlier, concerned for their safety. Chitwood disclosed that deputies had checked on DiFusco several times in the days leading up to the shooting, responding to reports of his suicidal thoughts.
This was not the first instance law enforcement had interacted with DiFusco. “We were out there three times within the last four days,” Chitwood said, indicating ongoing awareness of his fragile mental state. The Sheriff emphasized the responsiveness of his team, underscoring their priority was community and officer safety.
As the standoff prolonged, nearby residents were evacuated as officers, and negotiators established a secure perimeter. DiFusco was armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun, and what was described as a Tommy gun. The intensity escalated when negotiations broke down and DiFusco continued to unleash gunfire at law enforcement, including at a SWAT vehicle.
By midday, officers resorted to deploying tear gas, which pushed DiFusco toward the back of his unit. The decision to use lethal force was made when he posed a significant increased risk to everyone in the vicinity. Chitwood reflected on the incident, stressing that negotiation had become impossible. “My objective was to make sure every single deputy went home for Thanksgiving dinner,” he stated.
Fortunately, aside from the shooter, no injuries were reported among the neighbors or deputies. The aftermath of the shooting stirred discussions on various fronts, including the need for better access to mental health resources and the implications of gun ownership. The event also hinted at a larger, ongoing national conversation about the intersections of mental health challenges and law enforcement responses.
Reports suggested that DiFusco was a discharged military service member, possibly due to mental health issues and had recently lapsed in taking his prescribed medications. These elements paint a complex picture of the individual at the center of the tragedy and the broader societal and systemic issues at play.
While investigations continue to delve into the exact motivations and sequence of events leading up to the shootout, the incident has assuredly left a permanent mark on the Ormond-by-the-Sea community, transforming its Thanksgiving 2024 into a day of anxiety and loss rather than peace and gratitude. As the dialogue unfolds, it serves as yet another poignant reminder of the critical need for comprehensive strategies addressing mental health, gun control, and public safety.