Veronica (@thechristianitgirl) described on TikTok how she encountered an active-shooter situation while exiting a plane at Miami International Airport on Sept. 24 at about 4:00 p.m. She warned other travelers, found a family sheltering behind a car, and later confirmed she was safe but shaken. Authorities arrested 31-year-old Francisco Ivan Mendiola, who investigators say fired from a parking garage; a trash can and a vehicle were struck but no one was injured. Detectives said Mendiola was reportedly intoxicated and aggressive and could not be interviewed at the scene.
Passenger Recalls Chaos After Miami Airport Shooting: ‘This Was My First Active Shooter’
(Featured Images: Adriano Nevado, thechristianitgirl, Gabriel Hohol)
Veronica, known on TikTok as @thechristianitgirl, described a frightening scene after an active shooting unfolded near Miami International Airport on Thursday, Sept. 24, at about 4:00 p.m. In a video she shared, Veronica recounted hearing a loud boom as she exited a plane and descended to the terminal level.
She said she saw a man dive behind a car and immediately warned other travelers: "There's an active shooter on the premises." Although some people initially did not believe her, many turned back after she continued to alert them. Veronica later discovered a family sheltering behind the same car where the man had taken cover.
Despite appearing shaken in her first clip, Veronica posted an update confirming she was safe. Once she could leave the terminal, she said she spoke with the family who had ducked behind the vehicle and collected their account, though she did not provide further detail about their statements.
In her follow-up video she thanked law enforcement for their quick response. "I never thought 'active shooter' would come out of my mouth," Veronica said, noting the difference between imagining such a scenario and living it. She added that she escaped without physical injury but was rattled and even developed stress-related hives. Veronica credited her father, a first responder, for teaching her how to stay calm during emergencies.
According to NBC Miami, authorities arrested 31-year-old Francisco Ivan Mendiola in connection with the incident. Investigators say Mendiola allegedly fired from a parking garage toward the terminal; one round struck a trash can and a fourth round hit a vehicle. No one at the airport was shot or physically injured. Detectives later said they were unable to interview Mendiola at the scene because he appeared intoxicated and aggressive.
This episode underscores the importance of situational awareness and remaining calm during emergencies. While no injuries were reported in this case, witnesses like Veronica highlight how quickly a routine travel moment can turn frightening and the vital role of quick reporting and law enforcement response.
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