A Citibank security guard in Tampa shot and killed a gunman who killed a woman and wounded four others Wednesday. The attack stopped at the Sabal Park business campus after the guard exchanged fire with the suspect.
Incident Overview
The shooting began around noon at the Sabal Park business campus in Brandon, east of Tampa. Multiple 911 calls reported gunfire at 12:11 p.m.; deputies arrived one minute later and the guard shot the suspect at 12:13 p.m., Chief Deputy Frank Losat confirmed.
The suspect drove a sedan through a fenced area, crossed medians and a grassy patch, then crashed into an outdoor lunch area. He exited the vehicle with a rifle, approached a woman and opened fire.
Inside the building’s cafeteria, the guard confronted the gunman and exchanged fire, stopping the attack. Losat praised the guard for preventing further casualties.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name or the victim’s identity and have not determined a motive. The incident is being treated as a possible targeted attack, though investigators say the motive remains unclear.
Citi confirmed it was coordinating with law enforcement and that about 3,200 employees were on site at the time, Losat said. The company is working with authorities to investigate.
Employee Accounts
Analyst Adara Evans described hearing a loud bang as a sedan smashed through a fence and into tables while she ate lunch outside. She ran inside and later reunited with her sister, who works nearby.
Employee Cherron Martin, attending a town hall in the cafeteria, heard a crash, saw the gunman exit his vehicle, and fled toward a parking garage after a shout that he was armed. She said the scene quickly turned chaotic.
Law Enforcement Response
Approximately 367 Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies, plus specialized units and federal agencies, responded. They conducted room‑by‑room searches and cleared the campus after two and a half hours.
Aftermath
The active threat was declared over Wednesday afternoon. Officials urged the public to stay away while investigators processed the scene and interviewed witnesses into the night.
Hillsborough Community College’s Brandon campus was locked down during the event but received an all‑clear shortly afterward. Students were asked to remain inside until the all‑clear was given.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office tweeted at 2:25 p.m. that 367 deputies were on scene, working with specialized units to secure the area and ensure safety. The tweet included a link to further updates.
Investigators expect to continue interviews throughout the night as they determine exactly what occurred. Authorities have not ruled out any potential motives.
