Little Haiti Shooting Incident
A quiet Monday morning was shattered in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood when a burst of gunfire erupted just after midnight, leaving two people dead and two others seriously injured. According to the Miami Police Department, the shooting took place at approximately 12:12 a.m. near the intersection of Northwest 62nd Street and Northwest 2nd Avenue.
Authorities responded quickly to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found four individuals with gunshot wounds lying in the street and on the sidewalk. Two of the victims, both adults, were pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency medical services transported the other two victims to Jackson Memorial Hospital. As of Tuesday morning, their conditions remain critical but stable, according to hospital staff.
The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released, as officials work to notify next of kin. Police have not disclosed the ages or relationships between the victims, though sources close to the investigation suggest they may have known one another.
Crime Scene Shaken by Chaos
Witnesses in the area described a chaotic and terrifying scene. Several residents reported hearing what they believed were fireworks until they realized the noise was coming from gunfire.
“I heard at least a dozen shots, maybe more,” said Darnell Jones, a resident who lives in a nearby apartment complex. “Then I heard people screaming and saw a car speeding off. I hit the floor and called 911.”
Another local, Miriam Pierre, who was closing up her convenience store a block away, said she saw people running frantically before law enforcement arrived. “It’s like a war zone out here sometimes. We keep trying to clean this place up, but violence always finds its way back.”
Detectives and crime scene investigators spent hours combing the area for shell casings, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby storefronts. A dozen yellow evidence markers could be seen littering the pavement as investigators worked into the early morning hours.
No Arrests, Motive Still Unknown
As of Tuesday afternoon, no suspects have been arrested, and police have not released any information regarding a possible motive. Investigators are urging the public to come forward with any information that might assist in solving the case.
“We believe someone in the community saw something or knows something,” said Officer Kiara Delva, spokesperson for the Miami Police Department, during a press briefing. “We understand the fear and frustration people may feel, but we need your help to prevent further violence.”
She added that Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest, and that all tips can remain anonymous.
A Community in Mourning
The shooting has once again drawn attention to the persistent issues of gun violence and public safety in Little Haiti — a historically rich but economically challenged neighborhood that has seen both community investment and growing gentrification in recent years.
Local pastors, activists, and community leaders gathered Monday afternoon near the scene of the shooting to hold a prayer vigil for the victims and their families.
“We can’t let this be the norm,” said Pastor Claudine Baptiste of House of Restoration Ministries. “These are our sons, our daughters. We are losing generations to this violence.”
City Commissioner Christine King, who represents the district, expressed sorrow over the incident and emphasized the need for targeted intervention.
“We are doing what we can, but clearly more is needed — more outreach, more job programs, and more mental health resources,” King said. “We need to work together as a city to stop these senseless acts.”
Residents Call for Change
This latest act of violence is prompting renewed calls for stronger gun control laws, increased police patrols in high-crime areas, and better support systems for at-risk youth.
Longtime resident and local youth mentor, Emile Joseph, said he’s tired of seeing young people caught up in deadly conflicts. “I’ve buried too many kids I used to coach,” he said. “We need to do better as a community — not just when something tragic happens, but every day.”
Joseph and others plan to hold a community town hall this week to discuss potential solutions and support services for those impacted by the shooting.
Police Ask for Help
As the investigation continues, the Miami Police Department is asking anyone with information to come forward by contacting Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
While police continue to search for those responsible, the families of the victims are left to grapple with the devastating loss of loved ones — lives taken in an instant, in an act of senseless violence that has once again left a scar on the heart of Little Haiti.
