Nearly a month after a violent shooting rattled the Little Havana neighborhood in Miami, newly released surveillance footage has starkly unveiled the moment a man armed with a gun opened fire on his neighbors during a birthday celebration.
The incident, which took place in the early hours of October 24, resulted in three individuals being wounded and highlighted the precariousness of community life in one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods.
A Celebration Turned Nightmare
What began as a peaceful family gathering at a home near Southwest 12th Avenue quickly transformed into a scene of horror. Surveillance footage captures Angelo García, a 38-year-old man, confronting a group of neighbors gathered in the front yard.
Mere seconds later, García draws a firearm and fires multiple shots. The video captures the desperate cries of the victims as they seek cover.
The Motive: A Neighborly Dispute
According to police reports, García attended the party searching for an individual with whom he had a dispute the previous week. Upon failing to locate the person, he threw stones at the house and subsequently began shooting at the attendees.
The three individuals hit by gunfire—a 75-year-old woman, her 53-year-old son, and a 26-year-old man—were rushed to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. All survived, though they sustained serious injuries.
“It was midnight. I was in bed, awake, watching TV when I heard those six or seven loud bangs,” recounted a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous in a local news interview.
“We were celebrating my mother’s birthday when a guy from next door came over and started shooting everyone. It was madness,” a family member told NBC6. “Incredibly, they are alive. Thank God we’re not here mourning three funerals or four, or who knows how many more.”
Arrest of the Gunman
Following the attack, Angelo García fled the scene. He was located the next day at a Comfort Suites hotel in southwest Miami-Dade County. His capture involved a SWAT team, Miami police officers, the Sheriff’s office, and federal marshals.
Since then, García has been held in custody at the Metro West Detention Center. He faces numerous charges, including four counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities confirmed he had at least five prior felony convictions.
Although the shooting took place a month ago, the video has been circulated this week by authorities and local media, becoming a crucial piece of evidence in the judicial proceedings against García. Additionally, it has sparked outrage among area residents and reignited discussions on criminal recidivism and the accessibility of firearms to individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Key Questions About the Miami Shooting Incident
What sparked the shooting in Little Havana?
The shooting was triggered by Angelo García, who was involved in a previous altercation with a person attending the party. Unable to find them, he resorted to violence.
How were the victims affected?
Three individuals were injured: a 75-year-old woman, her 53-year-old son, and a 26-year-old man. They were hospitalized with severe injuries but survived the attack.
What charges is Angelo García facing?
García faces several charges, including four counts of attempted second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.