A gunman drove a car into a courtyard on Citibank’s business campus near Tampa on Wednesday and shot a woman to death with a rifle before a security guard shot and killed him, authorities said.
Four other people were taken to a hospital with non life threatening injuries. Hillsborough County officials have not released the names of the gunman or the woman, and have not given a motive.
What We Know So Far
Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Frank Losat said 911 calls reporting a shooting began around 12:11 p.m. The sheriff’s office responded to an “active threat.”
The gunman drove a four door sedan through a fenced area and crashed into an outdoor seating area where people were eating lunch, Losat said. “Upon the car coming to rest, the suspect exits the vehicle with a rifle, approaches the female, and she is shot,” he said.
A Citibank security guard confronted him in the building’s cafeteria, where the two exchanged fire, Losat said. The gunman was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. Losat said it is unclear whether the four injured people were shot or struck by the car.
About 3,200 people were working on the campus, which has four three story office buildings. More than 360 deputies, many in tactical gear, began arriving within a minute of the first call and spent 2½ hours clearing the building and nearby offices. Radio traffic described a floor by floor search in which people were found sheltering in locked rooms and closets, the AP said. A law enforcement source told ABC News that agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives would respond.
David Dzien, a Citibank vice president, told the AP he was returning from lunch when he saw the sedan crash through a fence about 150 yards (137 meters) away, followed by an “incredible clatter” that he later realized was gunfire. He ran back inside and left through a fire escape. “I can still hear the particular type of scream,” he said.
About 300 Citibank workers sheltered at the nearby Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel, general manager Matt Chauvin said. Staff gave them water and lunch and let some use rooms “to decompress or make phone calls.”
What Authorities Are Saying
“Was there a potential for further violence? Absolutely,” Losat said. “So kudos to that security guard.”
Sheriff Chad Chronister said on social media earlier Wednesday that, based on preliminary information, “we believe this is a targeted incident.” Losat later said investigators still have to “work through details” and that information is subject to change. Authorities are working to learn whether the gunman and the victim knew each other, and are interviewing Citibank employees. “We will be doing interviews well into the night,” Losat said.
Citigroup said it was aware of an incident at the complex and was cooperating with authorities.
Differing Accounts
The accounts differ on what is known about the relationship between the two. ABC News reported the sheriff’s preliminary belief that it was targeted, while the AP said the sheriff’s office gave no motive and did not say whether the gunman and his victim knew each other. Losat said investigators are still working on that question.
Why This Matters
All the buildings in the complex have been cleared, Losat said. The crime scene is “very large” and may be processed into Thursday.
What Happens Next
Authorities plan to release identifications after next of kin are notified. Investigators are interviewing employees who were on the campus.
Sources: ABC News and the Associated Press
