Florida bar tragedy: Gunman kills security guard before being shot dead in standoff that injured 7 people

DORAL, FLORIDA: A horrifying incident unfolded at a Florida martini bar on the morning of April 6, as a gunman killed a security guard before engaging in a fatal shootout with police.

The altercation erupted following a bar fight, leaving a total of seven individuals wounded, including one officer. The injured were identified as Lester Williams Gonzalez, 28, Frank Miguel Jerez, 34, Yaniris Jerez, 30, Carlos Milan, 38, Sonia Munoz Torres, 48 and Gerard Patrick Delaney, 57. The gunman has been identified as 37-year-old Jamal Wayne Wood.

Gunfire erupts in Florida Martini Bar

According to reports, the tragedy occurred at Martini Bar, situated in the CityPlace Doral area, when a confrontation between patrons escalated. “The security guard that was working intervened, and that’s when the subject produced a firearm and shot and killed the security guard,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta, according to WSVN.

The security guard on duty was identified as George Castellanos, reported Local 10 News. In a swift response to the unfolding chaos, two City of Doral police officers arrived at the scene and confronted Wood.

“There was an exchange of gunfire between the subject and the officer. The officer shot and killed the subject; however, the officer also sustained a gunshot wound to the lower extremity,” stated Zabaleta.

Eyewitness accounts detail terrifying moments of Florida shooting

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and terror as gunshots echoed through the vicinity, prompting residents to flee in fear. “My apartment is pretty close to all the music. It was very loud. I felt it in my chest,” William Suedois, who lives in the CityPlace apartments said.  “I am not going to lie; it was pretty scary.”

Six bystanders, comprising five men and one woman, suffered injuries in the melee, with two individuals currently in critical condition and four in stable condition at local hospitals. Despite the harrowing ordeal, the injured officer is expected to make a full recovery, as confirmed by Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez. He commended the officer's quick thinking in applying a tourniquet to himself amid the chaos.

Authorities probe multiple Florida Martini bar tragedy

Expressing solidarity with the affected community, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava extended her condolences to the victims and their families. “Our hearts go out to the Doral community and @DoralPolice following last night’s gun violence, as we pray for a swift recovery for all those injured and for the families of the victims. Today, and every day, we are so grateful for the men and women in uniform who keep us safe,” posted on X.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have launched three separate investigations into the incident, focusing on the initial altercation, the homicide, and the officer-involved shooting.