By Islam El-Sakka
A gunman fatally shot a woman at a Citibank office complex near Tampa on Wednesday before being killed by a security guard in a shootout, authorities said.
Shooting Details
The incident occurred just after noon on November 4, 2026, at the sprawling Citibank campus in Brandon, Florida, a suburb of Tampa. The gunman drove over several medians and crashed into an outdoor seating area where workers were having lunch, then opened fire, killing one woman.
Security Guard Response
An armed Citibank security guard confronted the gunman in the cafeteria and fatally wounded him. The suspect died later at a hospital, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses described panic and chaos. One told local CBS affiliate WTSP they heard screaming, saw people running, and then heard three shots. Haunting video showed the gunman walking through a courtyard with a rifle before opening fire.
Large-Scale Police Response
More than 365 deputies responded to the complex, which includes four three-story office buildings. Chief Deputy Frank Losat praised the security guard's actions, saying there was no hesitation by law enforcement to engage the suspect.
Employee Evacuation
About 3,200 Citibank employees were on campus at the time. Television footage showed long lines of workers streaming out of buildings as officers swarmed the area. One employee's father, Doug Merritt, said his son fled after hearing gunshots and was unreachable for about an hour due to a poor internet connection.
Citigroup Statement
Citigroup said it was aware of the incident and cooperating with police.
