Miami-Dade shooting: 2 dead, 7 injured as shooter opens fire amid dispute between patrons at martini bar

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

DORAL CITY, FLORIDA: Two persons lost their lives and seven more were injured following a shooting incident in Miami-Dade County, Florida, during the early hours of Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Among the wounded was a police officer. A confrontation at a business establishment in Doral City took a dangerous turn when a person brandished a firearm. 

Authorities reported that a security guard who tried to intervene was fatally shot, as per Fox News.

What did the police report say?

Chief of Police Edwin Lopez briefed journalists at a press conference, commending the swift response and courageous act of Doral police officers which averted a further escalation of the incident. 

According to authorities, around 3.30 am, an altercation took place among patrons at Martini Bar in CityPlace Doral. When a security guard intervened, one of the patrons allegedly took out a firearm and fatally shot the guard. 

Two Doral Police officers were present at the establishment and promptly reacted. They drew their weapons and there was an exchange of gunfire.

During the exchange, one Doral police officer sustained a gunshot wound to the lower extremity. 

Detective Alvaro Zabaleta of the Miami-Dade Police said that this wounded officer managed to shoot and kill the shooter.

Chief Lopez noted that the injured officer applied a tourniquet to himself and is currently in stable condition. Authorities stated that six bystanders were also hit by gunfire, including one woman and five men. Two of the bystanders were rushed to nearby hospitals in a critical condition.

Chief Lopez credits earlier shooting drill

Several law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the shooting incident, Chief Lopez stated. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is handling the officer-involved shooting inquiry, while the Miami-Dade Police are overseeing the homicide investigation. 

Doral City police are providing assistance to both investigations, Chief Lopez confirmed. 

Reflecting on events from precisely a year ago, Chief Lopez noted that Doral City Police had conducted a mass casualty, multi-agency active shooter drill at CityPlace Doral, which he credited with averting further loss of life. 

Lopez emphasized, "Although we can never guarantee with 100% certainty that an incident like this does not occur, we can definitely ensure that when and if an incident like this occurs in South Florida, we have the capacity, the training and the necessary skill set to immediately diffuse the incident and eliminate the threat."

He said it was disappointing that an officer had been shot at, but was grateful that the officer survived and is now in a stable condition.

Martini Bar ownership mourns tragedy

The ownership of the martini bar also released a statement in response to the shooting incident, as per NBC Miami.

It stated, “Our hearts are broken by the tragedy that unfolded at our venue early this morning that took the life of a dedicated security guard and injured several others."

"Our staff, patrons, and this community are like family to us, and we are completely shaken by this senseless act of violence. We’re working diligently to ensure that all those affected by this feel supported in every way possible."

The statement concluded, "We are conducting our own internal investigation, as well as cooperating fully with all authorities. This trauma will be felt deeply by us all for a long time to come, and we are here for our community today, and always.”