A Miami-Dade bus driver was taken into custody after being accused of opening fire on two passengers of a public transit bus. After an argument broke out, he shot both passengers. Miami Gardens police confirmed both died after being airlifted to the hospital. Police are still investigating this incident and trying to conclude why the bus driver opened fire.
Public Transit Incident
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 3 a.m., the Miami Gardens police responded to a disturbance call on a transit bus early that morning and closed most of the nearby shopping center on NW 183rd Street and NW 7th Avenue. According to police, the bus driver got involved in an argument between two passengers before pulling out a gun and firing. Witnesses nearby told local news stations they heard about six gunshots at the time of the incident.
According to a witness onboard the bus at the time of the shooting, a different set of events was recalled. The dispute began when a man attempted to board the bus with what the bus driver considered a stolen bike. When the bus driver refused him to board with it, the would-be passenger threatened him and reached into a bag. The driver pulled out a gun and fired, hitting the would-be passenger and another man who was likely hit accidentally by a stray bullet.
The victims were taken to Aventura Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Police have confirmed the bus was not in motion when the shooting happened. They added that the driver was not affected nor shot at, so they are looking into why he would shoot the passengers. They believe this to be an isolated incident, and the bus was on a routine route. The driver has been detained for further questioning.
Community Reaction
Diana Delgado, the spokeswoman for the Miami Gardens Police Department, said, “I don’t think the community needs to be frightened.” She continued, “This was a disturbance that took place between the driver and the victim. At this time, we don’t have the full information to say that our community or any passengers need to be frightened of taking a bus.”
According to Juan Mendieta, spokesperson for Miami-Dade’s Department of Transportation and Public Works, guns are prohibited from public transit. County bus drivers are also not allowed to be equipped with guns for self-defense. All involved departments and individuals are cooperating with the police to ensure this does not happen again.
The Transport Workers Union Local 291 branch, which represents Miami-Dade drivers, said, “We are devastated by [these] tragic events… and extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.” They continued, “The safety of both our operators and the riding public is and always will be our highest priority.”
This is a tragic and unfortunate incident. It leaves the Miami-Dade community worried and concerned for the future of their area. A resident told news outlets, “I do not like the violence that’s going on in my neighborhood, in Miami Gardens.” He continued, “Because this is a beautiful neighborhood, and I don’t think that people should be committing genocide against one another.” The identities of the three individuals have not been released to the public, but if the bus driver is charged with their murders, more information will follow.
