(Cupventi.com) – In the early hours of Saturday morning, a tragic event unfolded in Doral, Florida, a city located merely five miles to the west of Miami, resulting in the death of a security guard and injuries to seven other individuals, including a police officer from the Doral Police Department. This incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. and stemmed from a confrontation among customers at a local venue, as described by Alicia Neal, a representative for the Doral Police Department.
During a press briefing held on Saturday morning, Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta recounted the sequence of events that led to this violence. According to Zabaleta, a security guard who attempted to deescalate the situation was tragically killed by the assailant. Responding officers from the Doral Police, who were already present at the site for security duties, engaged with the shooter, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that ultimately left the attacker deceased, Neal confirmed to CNN.
The chaos ensued at the Martini Bar, located within the CityPlace Doral, a bustling nightlife spot. Zabaleta further revealed that two officers from the Doral Police had to use their weapons during the altercation. One of these officers suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound to a lower limb but managed to apply a tourniquet to himself promptly. Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez shared that the wounded officer has been part of the team for four years, highlighting the preparedness of their personnel.
The violent exchange not only affected law enforcement and the initial security personnel but also six innocent bystanders, leading to a mix of critical and stable injuries among them. The injured comprised one woman and five men, with one victim being urgently transported to Jackson Trauma Center and another to Kendall Regional Trauma Center, both listed in critical condition. The remaining four victims have been reported in stable condition.
In a striking coincidence, Chief Lopez pointed out that exactly a year prior to this incident, the Doral Police had conducted a comprehensive active shooter drill at the same location, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for such catastrophic events.
The incident has shaken the local community, with residents like William Suedois recounting the fear and confusion experienced during the shooting. Suedois, who resides near the Martini Bar, initially mistook the sound of gunshots for fireworks, describing the noise as “very scary” and impactful enough to feel physically.
The investigation into this devastating event is being supported by both the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as they work to piece together the circumstances that led to such a tragic outcome.
This shooting not only highlights the unpredictable nature of violence in public spaces but also the bravery of those who stand in harm’s way to protect civilians. The community of Doral, while mourning the loss and recovery of those affected, is reminded of the ever-present need for vigilance and the importance of emergency preparedness.