Massive Law Enforcement Response After Shots Reported At Major U.S. Airport

WATCH: Suspect in custody after report of shots fired at Miami International Airport. pic.twitter.com/1E1ZqWN2Db

— Scott M (@EODWX5) September 23, 2026

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The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office identified the man as 31-year-old Francisco Ivan Mendiola. He faces one felony count of shooting or throwing a deadly missile, one misdemeanor count of unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public place and two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief, according to an arrest affidavit.

MDSO said deputies responded to the airport at approximately 4:05 p.m. following reports of shots fired. Detective Joseph Peguero Rivera described what happened as an isolated incident. Authorities later said it was not an active shooter situation and no injuries were reported. MIA officials also confirmed all passengers and employees were safe.

According to the arrest affidavit, investigators said Mendiola fired four rounds near an airport terminal. Three rounds were fired toward the occupied terminal and struck a metal trash can, while a fourth struck the windshield of an unoccupied Dodge Challenger. Investigators said numerous vehicles and pedestrians were nearby at the time and normal aircraft traffic was flying overhead.

Deputies responding to the airport found Mendiola on the second floor of the short-term parking garage, according to the affidavit. One deputy reported seeing Mendiola holding a firearm and loading a magazine into it. Several passengers were also described as frantically directing deputies toward him.

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MDSO deputies responded to @iflymia this afternoon following reports of shots fired.

Deputies quickly responded and took a subject into custody. There is no ongoing threat to the public at this time.

The investigation remains ongoing. Traffic in and around the airport may be… pic.twitter.com/njL7uoLTn3

— Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (@MiamiDade_SO) September 23, 2026

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According to previous arrest reports, Mendiola, who is homeless, had stolen alcohol at least three times in June from a Fresco y Mas supermarket and liquor store near the airport, on Northwest 7th Street and 37th Avenue.

He was booked for petty theft in those incidents.

Cell phone video from a witness showed a bearded man in handcuffs being escorted by deputies outside the airport.

Cell phone footage from another witness showed deputies, including some in tactical gear and carrying rifles, outside the airport, closing off some areas with yellow crime scene tape.

Aerial footage from Chopper 6 showed terminal roadways closed off as dozens of sheriff’s office vehicles responded.

In the arrest report, authorities said the suspect was seen on CCTV footage walking from the Flamingo Garage into the short-term parking garage, where he was “the only person in the immediate area.”

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