Shooting at Citibank Near Tampa Leaves Two Dead: 911 Calls and Video Footage Released

A gunman opened fire at a Citibank office complex in Brandon, near Tampa, Florida, on Wednesday, resulting in the death of a bank employee and several others injured.

The assailant later succumbed to injuries at a hospital after being shot by a security guard who managed to stop him.

The attack unfolded around midday at the Sabal Center, also known as Citibank Center, which houses over 3,200 employees across four buildings.

The perpetrator drove into an outdoor area where people were having lunch, emerged from the vehicle armed with a rifle, and fatally shot a woman.

Details of the Attack and Response

Four other individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a hospital. The security guard who confronted the shooter was also wounded during the firefight.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office later released 911 call recordings and bodycam footage from officers who responded to the incident. The footage captures the arrival of law enforcement and the evacuation of employees seeking safety.

Assailant's Actions and Law Enforcement's Swift Response

According to Deputy Chief Frank Losat, the suspect drove a gray sedan through multiple barriers and a grassy area, broke through a security fence, and crashed into an outdoor patio where employees were dining.

After stopping the car, he exited with a rifle, approached a woman, and shot her. The victim, a Citibank employee, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The gunman then moved toward the interior of the complex, where he was confronted by an armed security guard. Both exchanged gunfire in the cafeteria. The guard, despite being injured, managed to shoot the attacker, who was later taken to Tampa General Hospital and died.

Initially, authorities did not release the names of the deceased woman or the suspect. It was also unclear if the injuries sustained by the other four individuals were from gunfire or the vehicle.

Chaos and Evacuation amid the Shooting

The shooting caught thousands of employees off guard during their workday. While some fled the premises, others took shelter in offices and closed rooms until given instructions by authorities.

A cafeteria worker told CNN she hid with five others while awaiting police arrival, with some individuals crying and others trying to contact family members.

David Dzien, Citibank's vice president, recounted to the Associated Press how he witnessed the attacker's car break through a fence from a distance and heard gunshots shortly thereafter. He managed to return to the building and escape through an emergency exit.

At the nearby Sheraton Tampa Brandon hotel, around 300 employees found refuge after leaving the bank complex. Hotel staff provided water, food, and areas for individuals to communicate with their families.

Doug Merritt, a parent of one of the employees, shared with the Associated Press how his son called him after escaping the scene. Communication issues led to an hour of uncertainty regarding his son's safety.

Massive Police Operation in Response

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deployed 367 officers, including SWAT teams, aerial units, drone operators, and canine agents. The operation involved more than 400 personnel with assistance from local, state, and federal agencies.

Officers searched the complex's four buildings, evacuated employees, and inspected offices, hallways, and other areas to rule out additional threats. The review operation lasted over two hours as investigators began collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.

The heavy police presence also impacted nearby Hillsborough College, where students and staff were instructed to shelter in place.

Investigation into Motive and Possible Disputes

Sheriff Chad Chronister initially described the shooting as a potential targeted attack, highlighting the shooter's intent to inflict maximum harm. Law enforcement sources suggested a possible financial dispute involving the suspect and the bank.

However, authorities had not confirmed this theory or determined whether the attacker knew the deceased woman.

Chronister commended the security guard and responding officers for preventing further casualties. Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser expressed sorrow over the employee's death and acknowledged the security team's efforts. The company announced additional protective measures and psychological support services for affected workers.

The Sheriff's Office continues its homicide investigation and requests cooperation from anyone with photos or footage related to the attack.