Police Shooting Near Miami's Bayfront Park Leaves Officer and Suspect Wounded

Incident occurred as Ultra Music Festival crowds gathered in downtown Miami

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:49pm

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A police shooting in downtown Miami on Saturday morning left both an officer and a suspect wounded near Bayfront Park as the Ultra Music Festival was taking place. The incident appears to be an isolated event despite the large crowds in the area for the festival and other events.

Why it matters

The shooting raises concerns about public safety and security during major events that draw large crowds to downtown Miami, an area that has seen increased crime and policing challenges in recent years.

The details

Police responded around 7 a.m. to a report of a man acting erratically at the Eve Hotel on Second Street. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation and used a Taser, but it was not effective. An officer then fired, striking the man, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The officer was also injured and both were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center for treatment.

  • The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Manny Morales

Miami Police Department Chief.

The suspect

A man in his early 20s who appeared agitated and removed his shirt before the shooting occurred.

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What they’re saying

“We probably have 150,000 folks coming into the city of Miami to enjoy not only Ultra, but we have a concert at the Kaseya (Center). We have a lot of activities, Marlins opening weekend. We have a lot of folks coming out here, so this is an anomaly, not what was expected.”

— Manny Morales, Miami Police Department Chief

What’s next

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with a heavy law enforcement presence continuing in downtown Miami.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges of maintaining public safety during major events that draw large crowds to downtown Miami, an area that has seen increased crime and policing issues in recent years. It raises questions about the preparedness and response capabilities of law enforcement in such situations.