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The Tampa Citibank shooting turned a routine workday into a terrifying emergency Wednesday at the Citibank Center in Brandon. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, an Orlando man drove to the corporate campus after becoming angry over a delinquent $2,500 credit card debt and opened fire.
One Citibank employee, 41-year-old learning advisor LeAnne Selmon, was killed. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Jacob Pearson of Orlando, later died at Tampa General Hospital after an armed security officer shot him during a confrontation inside the campus cafeteria.
What happened in the Tampa Citibank shooting?
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said the incident began with a threatening phone call to an attorney’s office working with Citibank on debt collection. Pearson reportedly became furious after receiving a court summons connected to the unpaid balance.
During the call, investigators said Pearson threatened to travel to the Citibank location with an AR-15 rifle, body armor and what he described as his “insanity.” The company’s head of security, a retired Secret Service agent, treated the warning as an active threat and contacted authorities.
Orlando police went to Pearson’s home for a welfare check. His wife reportedly told officers that he had already left. Officials said he was visibly angry but did not reveal where he was going.
Deadly attack unfolds at Brandon corporate campus
According to the sheriff’s office, Pearson drove for more than an hour before arriving at the Citibank Center. Deputies were responding to the threat when Pearson crashed through a courtyard gate.
He allegedly stepped from the vehicle and fired at Selmon three times. After his rifle malfunctioned, investigators said Pearson returned to his car, retrieved a handgun and went back toward Selmon. She died at the scene.
Pearson then entered the campus cafeteria, where approximately 3,200 employees were working or present. Workers ran from the building, hid inside offices and rushed toward exits as deputies and emergency crews arrived.
Security officer praised for stopping suspect
Chronister said Pearson appeared intent on finding additional victims inside the facility. He eventually encountered John Fraley, a Citibank security officer, vice president of operations and trained Marine Corps veteran.
Fraley reportedly took a tactical position inside a men’s restroom and exchanged gunfire with Pearson. The sheriff’s office said Fraley shot Pearson five times, ending the immediate threat before the suspect could reach more employees.
Emergency responders transported Pearson to Tampa General Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Officials have not announced any criminal charges against the security officer, who was described by Chronister as a hero whose actions prevented a larger tragedy.
Employees treated after mass evacuation
Four other employees were injured during the chaotic evacuation, although none suffered gunshot wounds, according to authorities. One worker had a busted lip, another experienced abrasions after falling, and one man reported chest pain.
A pregnant employee was also taken to a hospital as a precaution. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said all four people were treated and released.
- One Citibank employee was killed.
- The suspect died at Tampa General Hospital.
- Four employees were treated for evacuation-related injuries.
- About 3,200 workers were on the campus during the incident.
Investigation continues into weapons and motive
Pearson had no known prior criminal record, according to officials. He was married and had a 7-year-old child. Investigators are still working to determine how he obtained the AR-15 rifle, handgun and bulletproof vest involved in the attack.
Authorities also have not confirmed whether Pearson knew Selmon before the shooting or whether he had any previous personal interaction with her. The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active, and additional details could emerge as detectives review evidence, witness accounts and security footage.
The case has raised renewed concerns about workplace safety, threats tied to debt collection and the importance of treating violent warnings seriously. Officials said the rapid response by law enforcement and the Citibank security officer helped limit the loss of life.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the Tampa Citibank shooting happen?
The shooting happened at the Citibank Center, a corporate campus in Brandon, within Hillsborough County, Florida.
Who was identified as the suspect?
Authorities identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jacob Pearson of Orlando. Officials said he had no prior criminal record.
What was the reported motive?
Investigators said Pearson became angry over a delinquent $2,500 Citibank credit card debt and a related court summons.
Who stopped the suspect?
Citibank security officer John Fraley exchanged gunfire with Pearson and shot him five times during the cafeteria confrontation.
Were other people injured?
Four employees suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the evacuation. All were treated and released, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
