An armed security guard prevented further bloodshed at a Tampa-area Citibank complex Wednesday after a gunman crashed through a fence, killed one employee, and opened fire in the cafeteria. The quick response by the security team ended the threat before the shooter could harm more of the 3,200 employees on site.
Gunman Crashes Through Fence, Opens Fire
The attack began around 12:11 p.m. when the suspect drove his four-door sedan through a fenced area and crashed into an outdoor seating area where multiple employees were having lunch, according to Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Frank Losat. After the vehicle came to rest, the armed suspect exited with a rifle and immediately shot a female Citibank employee. She was pronounced dead at the scene, though authorities are withholding her name pending family notification.
The shooter then entered the building’s cafeteria, where a Citibank security guard confronted him. The two exchanged gunfire in what authorities described as a decisive engagement that stopped the active threat. The suspect was struck by the security guard and transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Four other people sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident, though it remains unclear if they were struck by the vehicle or injured in another manner.
Possible Financial Grievance Under Investigation
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister initially indicated the incident appeared to be targeted, though investigators stressed that early information remains subject to change as they conduct interviews. Sources told ABC News that the suspect may have had a financial grievance, and authorities are investigating whether it connects to the bank specifically. With potentially 3,200 witnesses on the property, deputies expect to conduct interviews well into the night and possibly through Thursday.
The crime scene spans a large area of the business complex, prompting a massive law enforcement response that included heavily armed deputies, armored vehicles, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. All buildings in the complex have been cleared and secured.
Armed Security Saves Lives
Chief Deputy Losat commended the security guard who engaged the shooter, noting there was clear potential for additional violence had the threat not been stopped immediately. Citibank CEO Jane Fraser praised the security team’s brave actions in her message to employees, saying they prevented an awful day from becoming even worse. The Tampa campus has been declared secure, and the company announced it will add additional security at all Citi locations as necessary. Counseling and support resources have been made available to employees dealing with the aftermath of this targeted attack on American workers.