A 31-year-old man now faces felony charges after firing four gunshots toward a busy terminal at Miami International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, striking a trash can and an unoccupied vehicle while passengers and pedestrians filled the area.

What Happened at the Airport

Francisco Ivan Mendiola discharged a firearm near an airport terminal at approximately 4:05 p.m., according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Three rounds struck a metal trash can at the occupied terminal, while a fourth bullet hit the windshield of an unoccupied Dodge Challenger. Investigators reported that numerous vehicles and pedestrians were present in the area during the shooting, with normal aircraft traffic flying overhead at the time of the incident.

Deputies responding to the emergency call located Mendiola on the second floor of the short-term parking garage. One deputy observed him holding a firearm and loading a magazine into it while frantic passengers directed law enforcement toward his location. Authorities apprehended Mendiola while he sat on a bench in the short-term parking area. A firearm was found inside his backpack, along with four spent shell casings recovered near his detention site.

Charges and Evidence

Mendiola faces one felony count of shooting or throwing a deadly missile, one misdemeanor count of unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public place, and two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief. The recovered firearm contained two 16-round-capacity magazines, each holding 12 rounds. Investigators noted that Mendiola appeared intoxicated and behaved aggressively, preventing authorities from conducting a formal interview due to his condition and behavior at the time of arrest.

Detective Joseph Peguero Rivera characterized the incident as isolated, and authorities confirmed it was not an active shooter situation. No injuries were reported, and Miami International Airport officials verified that all passengers and employees remained safe throughout the ordeal.

Airport Operations and Response

The shooting prompted significant law enforcement activity and temporary closures at one of the nation’s busiest airports. Multiple sheriff’s office vehicles assembled along the roadway as deputies secured the scene. The departure level and roadway lanes remained closed for approximately two hours before airport officials announced full reopening and normal operations resuming. Witnesses arriving shortly after the shooting described frightened passengers and employees, with one airport worker reporting hearing multiple shots fired during the incident. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the motive behind the dangerous act that threatened public safety at a major transportation hub.