MIAMI — A gunman and a security guard were shot dead and seven others were injured — including an Army-trained Doral police officer who wrapped a tourniquet around his injured upper thigh — in a shootout involving police at a Doral nightclub early Saturday.
According to Miami-Dade police, a dispute broke out at Martini Bar at CityPlace Doral around 3:30 a.m. Saturday. A security guard intervened and was shot and killed by the gunman. Two Doral police officers who were at Martini Bar on security detail exchanged gunfire with the shooter.
Nine people in total were shot.
In addition to the security guard, the gunman was killed in the exchange, and six people at the bar were injured during the shootout, along with a Doral police officer.
“One of the officers, the one who was struck, with four years of service, applied a tourniquet on himself immediately after being struck. Even after he discharged his firearm, the extensive training that our police officers undergo is a testament to why that officer is alive today,” Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez said during a news conference Saturday morning.
“Coincidentally, one year ago to the day, we conducted a mass casualty and multi-agency active shooter drill here at the same establishment,” Lopez said.
Lopez told the Miami Herald that the officer had military training and knew what to do.
“Both discharged,” Lopez said, speaking about the gunman and the two officers on duty. One of the officers shot the gunman. “There were only three firearms. They went in without delay. He not only saved the life of patrons, but he saved his own life by using the tourniquet.”
The officer was taken to Jackson Memorial, where he is reported in stable condition, Miami-Dade Det. Alvaro Zabaleta said.
Of the six bystanders who were wounded, two were critically injured and four were in stable condition, and all were transported to trauma centers at Jackson and HCA Kendall, Zabaleta said. Two of the victims are women, four are men, Zabaleta told the Herald, updating initial reports.
Martini Bar Ownership, the owners of the nightclub, sent a statement to the Herald through their media representative.
“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. 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.”
Police have not identified the officers involved, the fatally wounded security guard or the gunman. The initial fight at Martini Bar involved two patrons — the shooter and another individual, who has not been identified.
A multi-agency investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miami-Dade Police Department and Doral Police Department is underway. Detectives are interviewing witnesses. There have not been any arrests.
“At this time it’s too early to tell who was shot by who, but we’re actively investigating that incident,” Lopez said. “We will be shut down here for the next few hours while police conduct the investigation, but the scene and the surrounding areas are safe and secure at this time.”
In a statement sent to the news media, CityPlace Doral, a mixed-used urban center of residences, restaurants, shops and entertainment sites that opened in 2017, said that the shopping plaza’s south parking garage and businesses surrounding the Plaza Fountain areas were closed but the north side of the 55-acre development was expected to open at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Miami Herald staff writer Charles Rabin contributed to this report.
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