(StraightNews.org) – A gunfight at a Miami bar left two people dead and seven injured. Police in Dade County said an argument broke out in the Martini Bar in Doral, and when a security guard intervened, an unnamed gunman opened fire, killing the guard. Two off-duty police officers, who were providing security at the time, subsequently drew their weapons and killed the shooter. One officer sustained a thigh as bullets flew, and reports say he applied a tourniquet to himself, saving his own life.
Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez said four men and two women also sustained injuries in the exchange. All were transferred to the hospital, with two in critical condition. The injured police officer has since been discharged.
A witness told local media that his cousin was hit in the stomach, while a second said he saw a person lose a finger in the chaotic melee. William Suedois described hearing three gunshots, initially believing someone had set off fireworks. He described hearing a further 10 or 15 further shots from his nearby apartment.
In press interviews, Chief Lopez noted that his officers underwent training to respond to just such an incident, one year ago, at the exact location. Doral Mayor Christi Fraga said she was grateful for the training as it undoubtedly saved lives on the night.
On Twitter, the Mayor said her thoughts and prayers are with the families affected and expressed her “heartfelt gratitude” to the law enforcement officers and other first responders who attended the scene.
The bar’s owners issued a press release saying they were heartbroken. “Our staff, patrons, and this community are like family to us, and we are completely shaken by this senseless act of violence,” the statement read.
Police have not released any information about the victims or the original shooter, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading investigations. The Martini Bar is located at Doral’s City Place, a mall and entertainment center on the outskirts of Miami.
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