Miami International Airport Shooting: Suspect Arrested After Four Shots Fired Near Terminal

MIAMI, Florida — A 31-year-old man was arrested after authorities say he fired four shots toward a terminal at Miami International Airport Wednesday afternoon, September 23, 2026, prompting a major law-enforcement response.

The suspect was identified as Francisco Ivan Mendiola. According to an arrest affidavit cited by CBS Miami and NBC 6, investigators allege that Mendiola fired three rounds toward an occupied airport terminal, striking a metal trash can, before a fourth round struck the windshield of an unoccupied vehicle.

No injuries were reported, and authorities said the incident was isolated and that there was no continuing threat to the public. Miami International Airport officials also said passengers and employees were safe.

What Happened at Miami International Airport?

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Miami International Airport at approximately 4:05 p.m. Wednesday after receiving reports of shots fired.

According to investigators, Mendiola was located in the short-term parking garage. NBC 6 reported that a deputy saw him load a magazine into a firearm and fire, while the arrest affidavit described four shots being discharged toward the terminal area.

Three of the rounds struck a metal trash can, according to the arrest affidavit. A fourth round struck the windshield of an unoccupied Dodge Challenger. Investigators also recovered four spent shell casings near the area where Mendiola was detained.

Deputies took Mendiola into custody without further reported violence.

Francisco Ivan Mendiola Arrest and Case Details

The charges are allegations, and Mendiola is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.

Four Shots Were Reportedly Fired

The initial reports described the incident simply as reports of gunfire and the detention of one person. Later reporting provided a more detailed account.

According to the arrest affidavit, Mendiola allegedly fired three rounds toward the occupied terminal, with those rounds striking a metal trash can. A fourth round struck the windshield of an unoccupied Dodge Challenger.

CBS Miami reported that numerous vehicles and pedestrians were nearby at the time, while normal aircraft traffic was operating overhead.

Despite the circumstances, authorities reported no injuries.

Suspect Was Taken Into Custody

Deputies located Mendiola in the short-term parking area and took him into custody.

NBC 6 reported that he was later identified as 31-year-old Francisco Ivan Mendiola. Investigators said they recovered a firearm from a backpack in his possession, along with two 16-round-capacity magazines containing ammunition.

CBS Miami reported that deputies found Mendiola sitting on a bench in the short-term parking area when he was detained.

Authorities subsequently filed multiple charges against him.

Charges Filed Against Mendiola

According to CBS Miami’s report of the arrest affidavit, Mendiola faces:

• One felony count of shooting or throwing a deadly missile

• One misdemeanor count of unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public place

• Two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief

The charges stem from the alleged gunfire and resulting property damage.

The filing of criminal charges does not establish guilt. The allegations will be addressed through the criminal justice process.

No Injuries Were Reported

Despite the reported gunfire near an occupied airport terminal, authorities said no one was injured.

Miami International Airport officials confirmed that passengers and employees were safe. Authorities also described the incident as isolated and said there was no continuing threat to the public.

This distinction is important because the initial reports of gunfire generated a substantial police response and concern among travelers.

Airport Roadways Were Temporarily Closed

The law-enforcement response temporarily disrupted vehicle access around the airport.

Airport officials closed the departure level between Doors 12 and 17, as well as the outer lanes of the departure-level roadway. Traffic was diverted to the arrivals level while deputies investigated.

NBC 6 later reported that the affected departure-level areas reopened and airport operations returned to normal.

Travelers at the time of the incident were advised to follow directions from airport personnel and law enforcement.

Was There an Active Shooter at Miami International Airport?

Authorities initially responded to reports described as an active-shooter situation, but investigators later said the incident was not an ongoing active-shooter situation.

The suspect was taken into custody, and authorities said there was no continuing threat to the public. No injuries were reported.

The later investigative information indicates that shots were in fact fired, rather than the incident being solely an unconfirmed report of gunfire.

What Remains Under Investigation?

Although authorities have released significant details about the alleged shooting, the investigation remains ongoing.

Investigators will continue examining the circumstances surrounding the gunfire, the firearm and ammunition recovered, the property damage and events leading up to Mendiola’s arrest.

NBC 6 reported that detectives were initially unable to interview Mendiola because they described him as intoxicated and aggressive.

Additional information may emerge through court proceedings and further police investigation.

Latest Update on the Miami Airport Shooting

As of September 24, 2026, authorities have identified the person arrested following Wednesday’s gunfire at Miami International Airport as 31-year-old Francisco Ivan Mendiola.

Investigators allege that he fired four rounds toward the terminal area. Three struck a metal trash can and another struck an unoccupied vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Mendiola faces multiple criminal charges, including shooting or throwing a deadly missile, unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public place and criminal mischief.

The incident caused temporary roadway closures and a major law-enforcement response, but airport officials said passengers and employees remained safe and authorities reported no continuing public threat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at Miami International Airport?
Authorities say four shots were fired toward a terminal area on September 23, 2026. Three rounds struck a metal trash can and another struck an unoccupied vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Who was arrested?
Authorities identified the suspect as Francisco Ivan Mendiola, 31.

Was anyone injured?
No injuries were reported, according to authorities and Miami International Airport officials.

Was there an active shooter?
Authorities said there was no continuing active-shooter threat after the suspect was taken into custody. The subsequent investigation alleges that shots were actually fired toward the terminal area.

What charges does Francisco Ivan Mendiola face?
He faces charges including shooting or throwing a deadly missile, unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public place and two counts of criminal mischief.

Were airport operations affected?
Yes. Portions of the departure-level roadway and the area between Doors 12 and 17 were temporarily closed, with traffic diverted to the arrivals level. The affected areas later reopened.

Disclaimer

This article reflects information available through September 24, 2026, including reporting from CBS Miami, NBC 6, WSVN and other local news organizations. The allegations against Francisco Ivan Mendiola are based on police and arrest-affidavit information and have not been adjudicated in court. No injuries were reported, and authorities said there was no continuing threat to the public. Details may change as the criminal case and investigation proceed.