ICYMI: Merrick Park shooting details and information

At around 1 p.m. on 8 April, a gunman opened fire in the upscale shopping mall known as Merrick Park in Coral Gables at the Fitness Equinox Center. One person was pronounced dead at the scene and two others were injured with one being pronounced dead later at the hospital. Janine Ackerman, the gym’s general manager, and Marios Hortis, a fitness manager were both shot. Ackerman was pronounced dead due to several gunshot wounds

The attack was caused by an altercation in the workplace and the gunman was an employee at the Equinox Gym. The employee was fired and then got in an argument with the gym’s manager. This incident has been said to have no links to terrorism.

Witnesses confirmed that five gunshots were fired. The gunman, Abeku Wilson, was born in Boston and graduated from the University of Miami. Police confirmed that the shooter planned specific targets beforehand and did not go into the gym to kill randomly.

Ackerman and Hortis were airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center where they are now being treated for gunshot wounds.

The public commended police and fire departments for their quick response and ability to secure the scene within 45 minutes. The authorities took proper precautions and locked down all of stores in the area in a timely manner.