ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA, FL – A tense standoff on Thanksgiving Day ended tragically when a Florida sheriff’s office sniper fatally shot a man after a prolonged exchange of gunfire that saw more than 200 rounds fired in a coastal community.

Joseph DiFusco, who recently traveled to Florida from Connecticut, was the lone fatality in the incident that disrupted a typically quiet neighborhood, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.

The chaotic episode kicked off early Thursday morning around 6:30 a.m., urging residents to steer clear of Ocean Shore Boulevard, near the Kingston Shores condominiums. This warning came as DiFusco was actively firing shots outside his condo and targeting nearby units, even hitting a sheriff’s vehicle.

Authorities initially responded to DiFusco’s residence following reports he was in distress and contemplating suicide. DiFusco, a seasonal visitor from Connecticut, was reportedly staying in the area using Airbnb because his family, fearing for their safety, moved to northern Florida, according to statements from Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood.

Sheriff Chitwood revealed a concerning history of mental health struggles associated with DiFusco, with local deputies having interacted with him multiple times over the previous few days. These interactions included wellness checks and an attempt to serve an emergency order related to his mental health.

During the standoff, DiFusco wielded multiple firearms, including a shotgun, handgun, and a Tommy gun, unleashing a barrage of bullets that penetrated numerous homes and aimed at officers. This intense situation escalated as deputies and DiFusco exchanged fire, predominantly fueled by the latter’s apparent emotional distress.

Among the more perplexing elements of this confrontation was the sheer firepower DiFusco had amassed, contrary to initial claims from his family about minimal armament. “They thought he only had two guns and one clip,” Chitwood commented, reflecting on the extensive arsenal uncovered.

The confrontation drew to a close just before noon when the sniper took action, leaving DiFusco as the sole casualty. This resolution, though regrettable, ensured the safety of law enforcement officials during the holiday.

Reflecting on the events, Sheriff Chitwood emphasized the unprecedented nature of deploying a sniper under such circumstances, underscoring his commitment to safeguarding the deputies on duty. Through a lens of experience spanning nearly four decades, he expressed profound concern over the unique challenges presented during this particular standoff.