Miami-dade Bus Driver Fatally Shoots Two Passengers During Late-night Dispute

Two persons were killed after being shot by a Miami-Dade Transit bus driver overnight Sunday, Miami Gardens police said.

A Miami Gardens bulletin given to council members stated that the gunshot occurred at 2:50 a.m. on Northwest 183rd Street and Seventh Avenue. According to the update, the bus operator opened fire several times inside the bus, killing two people.

Miami Gardens police told media at the site that an argument between the driver and passengers had escalated. They were brought to Aventura Hospital, where they died.

According to Juan Mendieta, a representative for Miami-Dade’s Department of Transportation and Public Works, county bus drivers are not permitted to carry firearms for self-defense purposes.

“Transit operators are not allowed to be armed,” he stated on Sunday.

He also issued a statement from the department, which said in part: “This morning’s incident aboard a Metrobus remains under investigation, and the Department of Transportation and Public Works is fully cooperating with law enforcement.”

The fatalities “heartbroken” County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, chair of the county’s Transportation committee.

“Another example of why people shouldn’t have guns,” she texted. “Two people would be alive today if it had been a yelling match rather than a gun match. “I am heartbroken.”

In a statement, the county’s transit union described the shootings as “a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved.”

“We are working closely with investigators and county officials to understand exactly what happened and to support a full and transparent process,” said the Transport Workers Union Local 291, which represents transport operators. “As this inquiry is still underway, we cannot speculate on the specifics. Our primary emphasis remains on supporting our members and the community, as well as doing all possible to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.”

Reference: Two people dead after shooting that involved a Miami-Dade bus driver, police say

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