Doral, Florida – A tragic incident unfolded early Saturday morning in Doral, Florida, just five miles west of Miami, resulting in a security guard losing his life and several others being injured in a shooting. The violence erupted around 3:30 a.m. following a confrontation among patrons at a local establishment, according to a spokesperson for the Doral Police Department.
The altercation prompted a security guard on duty to intervene, but unfortunately, he was fatally shot by the gunman, as revealed by Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta during a press briefing. Upon the arrival of Doral police officers at the scene, a gunfight ensued between the officers and the assailant, leading to the gunman’s death.
The shooting took place at the Martini Bar, a nightclub situated in CityPlace Doral, where chaos unfolded as innocent bystanders also fell victim to gunshot wounds during the exchange of gunfire. Among the injured was a Doral Police Department officer who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the lower extremity.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, six individuals – one woman and five men – were transported to medical facilities for treatment. Sadly, one victim was listed in critical condition at Jackson Trauma Center, while another individual was in critical condition at Kendall Regional Trauma Center. The remaining four victims were reported to be in stable condition.
Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez mentioned that exactly a year prior, officers had engaged in a rigorous training exercise for a mass casualty shooter drill at the very same establishment where the shooting unfolded. The investigation into the incident is now being supported by the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Living in close proximity to the nightclub, resident William Suedois described the chilling moment he heard the rapid succession of gunshots, initially mistaking them for fireworks. The intense exchange of gunfire was met with fear and concern among residents as the night turned chaotic.
The tragic implications of the shooting serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and bystanders in unexpected and volatile situations. The community is left reeling from the loss of life and the injuries sustained, underscoring the importance of safety measures and training for all involved parties.