Authorities in Miami-Dade have unveiled details about the individual who fired multiple shots in the parking area of Miami International Airport this past Wednesday afternoon.
The shooter, identified as 31-year-old Francisco Iván Mendiola, was homeless and was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Joseph Peguero Rivera, spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Police, clarified the scope of the event: "We can confirm that the individual did discharge the firearm, but no one was hit. The motive behind the shooting is unknown. He fired at the ground and a trash can," he stated.
The situation unfolded around 4:00 pm, when numerous 911 calls reported gunshots near Gate 17 of the airport, prompting a massive police response initially treated as a potential active shooter scenario.
Law enforcement officers found Mendiola between the Flamingo parking lot and the short-term parking area, where he was handcuffed and taken into custody.
Upon searching his backpack, officers discovered the gun along with two magazines capable of holding 16 rounds each, both of which contained 12 bullets. Additionally, four shell casings were found at the scene of his arrest.
Investigators noted that Mendiola was intoxicated, which hindered the completion of a formal interview.
Details of the Shooting
According to the arrest report, an officer observed Mendiola on the second floor of the Flamingo parking garage, near Terminal E, carrying a firearm before he opened fire towards the terminals.
Three of the four bullets struck a metal trash can, while the fourth hit the windshield of an unoccupied Dodge Challenger vehicle.
No injuries were reported among passengers or airport employees.
Mendiola is facing charges for discharging a projectile or deadly weapon, illegal discharge of a firearm in a public place, and property damage estimated between $200 and $1,000.
Airport Operations Disrupted
The police operation necessitated a temporary closure of the departure level between Gates 12 and 17, redirecting all vehicular traffic to the arrivals level, creating chaos for those entering and exiting the airport. The departure level was not reopened until shortly before 6:00 pm.
Numerous witnesses recounted scenes of confusion and fear to Telemundo 51. "The sirens, the police, all of it," recalled David, one of the travelers in the area, who managed to record the suspect's arrest.
"When you're on the plane, it is scary because you don't know what's happening," shared traveler Laura González, who also mentioned seeing helicopters flying overhead upon arrival.
Another user, José Vivas, described the disconnect between the inside and outside: "They didn't tell us anything. Inside, it's normal as if nothing happened. When you step outside, you're met with this situation, and you wonder what's going on."
Security Concerns at Miami Airport
This incident adds to a series of security-related events at MIA during 2026. In January, the South Terminal was evacuated due to a suspicious bag, and at the beginning of September, two false threat incidents— one involving a Cuban joking about having a grenade—triggered significant police operations.
Mendiola's case marks the most severe shooting incident at the airport during this period, raising questions about the accessibility of vulnerable individuals to the premises and the perimeter security protocols at MIA.
Understanding Miami Airport Security Measures
What led to the shooting at Miami International Airport?
The shooter, Francisco Iván Mendiola, discharged his gun in the airport parking area. The motive remains unknown as he was reportedly intoxicated during the incident.
Were there any casualties in the shooting?
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among passengers or airport staff during the incident.
How did the authorities respond to the shooting?
Police conducted a massive response, closing parts of the airport temporarily and apprehending the suspect shortly after the shooting occurred.