A man was arrested after allegedly firing four gunshots toward a terminal at Miami International Airport on Wednesday, September 23, triggering a large law enforcement response and temporarily disrupting access to portions of the airport.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies responded shortly after 4 p.m. following reports of an active shooter. Authorities later determined the incident was isolated and said there was no continuing threat to passengers or airport employees. No injuries were reported.
The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Francisco Ivan Mendiola. According to an arrest affidavit, Mendiola fired four rounds near the terminal. Three shots were directed toward the occupied terminal and struck a metal trash can, while another bullet struck the windshield of an unoccupied Dodge Challenger. Pedestrians and vehicles were reportedly nearby at the time.
Responding deputies located Mendiola on the second floor of the airport’s short-term parking garage. One deputy reported seeing him with a firearm and loading a magazine. He was subsequently taken into custody, and investigators recovered a firearm, ammunition and four spent shell casings. Authorities said Mendiola appeared intoxicated and was acting aggressively.
The incident prompted authorities to close departure-level doors 12 through 17 and portions of the departure roadway, diverting vehicles to the arrivals level and causing traffic disruptions around the airport. The affected roadways reopened shortly before 6 p.m., and airport operations returned to normal.
Mendiola faces several charges, including shooting or throwing a deadly missile, unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public place and criminal mischief. The investigation remains ongoing.