Gunman Crashes Through Citibank Campus Gate and Opens Fire, Leaving Two Dead in Terrifying Florida Attack

A deadly shooting at a sprawling Citibank office campus near Tampa, Florida, sent thousands of employees running for their lives after an armed gunman drove through a secured entrance and opened fire during the lunch hour.

The attack unfolded shortly after noon on Wednesday, November 4, at Citibank’s business complex in Brandon, where approximately 3,200 employees were working across four office buildings.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the gunman drove a vehicle through a secured fence and into an outdoor courtyard where employees were eating lunch. He then got out carrying a rifle and began shooting, striking a woman who later died.

The suspect continued toward the campus cafeteria, where he encountered an armed security guard employed by Citibank. The two exchanged gunfire, and the guard fatally shot the attacker.

Authorities described the incident as a targeted attack, but investigators have not yet disclosed the identities of the victim or gunman, the motive, or whether the two knew each other.

Four additional people were transported to hospitals with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Officials have not confirmed whether those injuries resulted from gunfire or the vehicle crash.

The terrifying incident triggered a massive emergency response. More than 360 sheriff’s deputies rushed to the complex, with officers arriving within approximately one minute of the first emergency call.

Police spent around two and a half hours searching the buildings, checking locked offices, rooms and other areas to ensure no additional threat remained.

Employees were evacuated in large groups, with some taking shelter in nearby locations. The Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel reportedly provided refuge to approximately 300 workers, offering water, food and rooms where they could contact loved ones and recover from the frightening experience.

One Citibank vice president, David Dzien, told The Associated Press that he was returning from lunch when he saw the suspect’s sedan crash through a fence. He initially heard what sounded like an unusual clatter before realizing it was gunfire.

People nearby began screaming and running, prompting him to flee through a fire escape.

He said the sound of one particular scream continued to haunt him as he tried to process what had happened.

The shooting also occurred on a day when senior company figures who do not normally work at the campus were reportedly visiting for a quarterly review.

Citigroup confirmed that its Tampa location had been affected and said it was cooperating with law enforcement. The company also took additional security measures at other locations.

Authorities praised the security guard’s actions, saying his intervention stopped the threat and potentially prevented further bloodshed.

The investigation remains ongoing, with officials still working to establish why the gunman targeted the campus and what led to the deadly confrontation.

For the thousands of employees who witnessed the chaos, what began as an ordinary workday quickly turned into a scene of fear, confusion and tragedy.

Source:  DAILYMAIL