Brandon, Fla. – An armed security guard and Marine veteran halted a deadly shooting at the Citibank campus on Wednesday, preventing further loss of life and demonstrating the bravery of private‑sector protectors.
Gunman’s arrival and initial attack
Jacob Pearson, 35, of Orlando, drove to the Sabal Center corporate campus at 3800 Citibank Center after receiving a court summons for an unpaid debt of roughly $2,500. Earlier that morning, Pearson threatened to bring a rifle and body armor to the bank’s offices, prompting Orange County law enforcement to issue an alert.
At 12:10 p.m., Pearson crashed his vehicle through the campus security gate and, within a minute, opened fire inside the cafeteria. Leanne Selman, 41, a nine‑year Citibank employee who served as a learning advisor for Citi Security and Investigative Services, was shot and died at the scene.
Security guard’s decisive response
John Fraley, 38, an armed security guard who also holds the title of vice president and intelligence lead analyst for Citibank, confronted Pearson in the cafeteria moments after the first shots rang out. Fraley fired, striking Pearson and ending the threat.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister praised Fraley’s actions, stating, “John Fraley confronted this suspect and is a hero, plain and simple. In a moment when most people would run away from danger, this guard ran toward it and stopped the threat within minutes of the first shots being fired.”
Emergency response and aftermath
Deputies arrived on the scene within one minute of the 911 calls and provided medical aid until Hillsborough County Fire Rescue personnel took over. Pearson was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:12 p.m.
Four additional individuals sustained non‑life‑threatening injuries and were treated and released from a local hospital. More than 400 law‑enforcement personnel, including 367 sheriff’s deputies, SWAT, aviation, drone, and K‑9 units, assisted in securing the complex, which was cleared within two hours.
Community impact and ongoing investigation
“Our hearts are broken for Leanne’s family, friends, and coworkers,” Sheriff Chronister said. “There is no justification for this cowardly act of senseless violence that has left a family and a community heartbroken.” The investigation remains active, and the sheriff’s office has asked anyone with video footage to submit it to investigators.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilant security personnel and the swift coordination of local, state, and federal agencies in protecting Floridians from violent threats.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
