Shocking video shows execution-style Miami Beach shooting as gunman fires into crowd of spring breakers, killing 1
Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
SOUTH BEACH, MIAMI: A shocking surveillance video shows a brutal execution-style killing in which a gunman fired into a crowd of spring breakers at Miami Beach on Sunday, March 19, and repeatedly shot a victim who was already on the ground.
The terrifying footage shows a shooter slowly approaching and opening fire into a crowd of spring breakers who were enjoying the night, walking underneath umbrellas at around 3.30 am on Sunday near 11th Street and Ocean Drive. Soon after the man opened fire, chaos broke out and the panicked tourists covered their heads as they ran for their lives. The video shows a victim falling to the ground while the shooter continued firing shots at him. The shooter then runs away from the crime scene.
READ MORE
Monterey Park massacre: Two of ten victims in California mass shooting identified
Miami Beach police officers chased the shooter on foot and eventually arrested him. The suspect has been identified as Dontavious Leonard Polk. The 24-year-old from Fort Lauderdale is being held on a first-degree murder charge, according to a report by MSN.
Shocking surveillance video captures the execution-style killing that sent throngs of #Miami spring breakers bolting Sunday — the second deadly shooting that erupted at the popular party destination over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/IlOvgVB6f7
— CulturePlugg 🔌 (@CulturePlugg) March 20, 2023
One dead, one injured
The victim, who was shot continuously by Polk, was found bleeding heavily on the ground. Police took him to Ryder Trauma Center where he eventually died from his injuries. His identity has not revealed. Another victim, who was also injured in the shooting and is undergoing treatment at the trauma center, is expected to recover soon.
This is not the first time Miami Beach has witnessed shooting incident. Two days ago, a man died while another one was injured during a shooting. There was chaos as people ran helter-skelter in all directions. Four guns were recovered from the crime scene and a person was also taken into custody.
Strict curfew for tourists
The city enacted a curfew on Sunday night, March 19, prohibiting tourists and partygoers in South Beach from being out after 11.59 pm through 6 am on Monday, March 20. The curfew is being enforced strictly by police officers. Under the curfew rules, people must clear out of businesses by midnight. Hotels can stay open later to serve their guests, but restaurants can only make deliveries after midnight. However, the rules do not apply to residents, people going to and from work, emergency services or hotel guests. Some rulebreakers were also apprehended by police at South Beach.
Miami Beach's mayor Dan Gelber, in a report by the New York Post, said that the city was left with little choice but to implement a curfew due to the sheer number of guns and swarms of people crowding the city. But, as another shooting broke out while the curfew was implemented, officials may instate another curfew on Thursday, March 23, through March 27, with the restrictions primarily focused on South Beach.