Man killed by deputies after firing gunshots from Airbnb
- A standoff occurred in Ormond-by-the-Sea when Joseph Difusco opened fire from an Airbnb, leading to his barricading inside the unit.
- Law enforcement reported that over 200 rounds were fired during the incident, with deputies responding multiple times before escalating measures were taken.
- Joseph Difusco was ultimately shot and killed by a sniper after refusing to negotiate, raising concerns about public safety and law enforcement protocols.
In a disturbing incident on Thanksgiving morning, a standoff in Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida, unfolded when a veteran and convicted felon, Joseph Difusco, opened fire from within an Airbnb condominium. The events began early in the morning when Difusco reported suicidal thoughts to deputies but declined medical assistance. Law enforcement returned to the scene a couple of hours later after receiving reports of gunfire coming from his rental unit. During this five-hour standoff, Difusco barricaded himself and was armed with at least three firearms, leading deputies to take cover and formulate a response to the escalating threat. Throughout the standoff, Difusco disregarded numerous negotiation attempts from the responding officers, firing more than 200 rounds in a reckless display of violence. As the situation intensified, residents from nearby units reported hearing the gunfire, initially mistaking the sounds for fireworks. Law enforcement conducted multiple assessments of the scene, with deputies checking on Difusco’s welfare before the incident escalated into an active shooter situation. Eventually, Sheriff Mike Chitwood recognized the need for drastic action due to the imminent threat posed by Difusco, who was aggressively firing upon deputies and neighboring units. After careful consideration of the safety of the surrounding community, a sheriff’s office sniper fatally shot the suspect. Sheriff Chitwood commented on the remarkable fact that, despite the high volume of gunfire exchanged, there were no other injuries reported during the ordeal, emphasizing the chaos that the residents faced. In the wake of these events, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement commenced an investigation into the shooting, which is standard procedure for incidents involving law enforcement use of deadly force. The family of Joseph Difusco had previously expressed concern for their safety, which adds complexity to the situation and raises questions about mental health and the responsibilities of law enforcement in crisis scenarios.