A $2,500 debt allegedly sparked a terrifying attack at a Citibank in Tampa, Florida.
As terrified workers scrambled to escape, a gunman armed with a rifle and ammunition moved through the property, seemingly intent on killing anyone in his path.
But one man refused to run.
Threatened to shoot up the offices
A routine workday on Wednesday turned into a nightmare when an armed gunman stormed a Citibank office in Tampa, Florida. Employees were suddenly forced to run for their lives as shots rang out across the property.
The gunman was later identified by police as 35-year-old Jacob Pearson, who was already on law enforcement’s radar before the attack.
Just hours earlier, Pearson had called an attorney and threatened to shoot up the offices unless a court hearing was canceled.
According to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Pearson told a legal worker:
“I want to go over there with my AR-15, my bulletproof vest and my insanity,” unless the hearing was canceled.
Crashed his vehicle through a fence
Pearson then drove from Orlando to the Citibank location in Tampa, where approximately 3,200 people work.
On Wednesday morning, he allegedly crashed his vehicle through a fence and drove into a courtyard where employees were spending their lunch break.
He then got out of the car carrying a rifle and a large amount of ammunition.
One of the first people he encountered was 41-year-old Leann Selman, whom he shot. She later died from her injuries.
Pearson then returned to his vehicle to retrieve a handgun.
A particular type of scream
Sheriff Chronister confirmed that the gunman had approximately 90 rounds of ammunition and fired 15 shots before his rifle jammed.
He described the terrifying nature of the attack, saying:
“He was there intent on one purpose, and that purpose was to hunt any human being he could find and kill them.”
David Dzien, a Citibank vice president, was returning from lunch when he saw the gunman crash through a fence and heard what he later realized was gunfire. As employees screamed and ran for safety, he rushed back inside and escaped through a fire exit.
“I can still hear the particular type of scream,” he said. “And I’m still trying to process it, frankly.”
John Fraley hailed as a hero
As panic spread across the property and thousands of employees were evacuated, one security guard made a decision that would prove crucial.
John Fraley, a former Marine working as part of Citibank’s security team, moved toward the danger rather than away from it.
And now, dramatic video footage reveals how he confronted the armed gunman.
Fraley positioned himself inside a men’s restroom, using the location to shield himself while preparing to stop the attacker.
From there, he confronted Pearson and helped bring the terrifying attack to an end.
The sheriff later praised Fraley’s courage, making it clear just how important his actions had been.
“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,
“With more than 3,200 people on that campus, there is no doubt that these quick and courageous actions saved lives.
“We are deeply grateful to the entire Citibank security team for their training, their preparedness, and their bravery under unimaginable pressure.”
One woman did not make it home
Despite Fraley’s extraordinary actions, the attack had already claimed a life.
Leann Selman, 41, was among the people Pearson encountered outside the building. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
She had worked in Citibank’s human resources department for nine years. That morning, she had gone to work just like any other day, never knowing it would be her last.
Sheriff Chronister expressed his condolences, saying:
“Our hearts are broken for Selman’s family, friends, and coworkers. She went to work yesterday like any other day and never came home,
“There is no justification for this cowardly act of senseless violence that has left a family and a community heartbroken.”
Four other people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. All have since been released.
For the hundreds of employees and others caught up in the terrifying ordeal, the quick response of the security team made an enormous difference.
And for one woman’s loved ones, the tragedy is a reminder of the devastating cost of that day.
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