Active Shooter Incident at Florence Tower Leaves One Dead, Suspect Critically Injured
OMAHA, NE — A terrifying scene unfolded on the evening of Sunday, April 13, at the Florence Tower apartment complex, located in the 5100 block of Florence Boulevard, when reports of an active shooter triggered a massive law enforcement and emergency response. The situation escalated rapidly into an officer-involved shooting, leaving one person dead and the suspected gunman critically injured.
Gunfire Erupts on Sixth Floor
According to the Omaha Police Department (OPD), the first 911 calls began coming in at approximately 6:15 p.m., with multiple residents reporting the sound of gunfire, specifically on or above the sixth floor of the building. Dispatchers quickly relayed the urgency of the situation, and OPD units were dispatched immediately.
Understanding the potential for injuries, officers requested medical crews from the Omaha Fire Department (OFD) to stage nearby. As responding officers approached the targeted floor, gunfire erupted once more. The intense moments were broadcast over police radios with urgent calls: “Shots fired! Shots fired!” followed by a chilling “Help an Officer” alert, signaling the gravity of the threat.
Confrontation with Armed Suspect
The suspect, described as a Hispanic male wearing a jersey and armed with two large firearms, allegedly opened fire on police as they made efforts to engage him. Witnesses and one 911 caller described the weapons as resembling high-powered rifles, adding to the alarm surrounding the incident.
In response, a robust emergency deployment was activated. OFD dispatched a fleet including Engines 21 and 22, Trucks 21 and 22, Medic Units 5, 21, and 41, and Battalion 2. Meanwhile, Emergency Response Units (ERU) and SWAT teams were notified and placed on standby as law enforcement tried to contain the threat.
Fatalities and Injuries
The gunfire exchange resulted in at least two confirmed victims. One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while the suspected gunman sustained a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen. He was quickly transported under Code 3 trauma conditions by Medic 41 to Nebraska Medicine, with lights and sirens marking the severity of his condition.
A third individual was initially believed to be a possible victim, but after a thorough floor-by-floor search of the building, no additional victims were located.
By 6:21 p.m., OPD officers announced a return to normal radio traffic, signaling that the immediate threat had been neutralized. The situation was moved to a secure event channel (B2) to continue coordination outside public broadcast. OFD units not actively transporting were released and returned to service as the scene was deemed secure.
Investigation Underway
At this time, the identities of the deceased, the suspect, and any other individuals involved have not been made public. The Omaha Police Department, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, is conducting a full-scale investigation into the incident. This includes forensic analysis, surveillance review, and witness interviews from residents who were in or near the sixth floor during the gunfire.
Authorities are working to piece together what led to the violent confrontation and whether there was any motive behind the attack. They are also expected to examine the suspect’s background, the legality of the firearms used, and whether any prior complaints or warning signs were present.
Community Shaken
Residents of the Florence Tower complex and surrounding neighborhoods have been left shaken by the incident. The sound of gunfire, the swift arrival of heavily armed officers, and the tragic outcome have created a deep sense of unease in what is typically a quiet area.
“This is something you hear about on the news, not right outside your apartment,” said one resident. “It was terrifying. We didn’t know what was going on or if we were safe.”
Local officials and community leaders are urging residents to remain calm and vigilant. Counseling and crisis support services are being made available to anyone affected by the traumatic event.
Awaiting Answers
As authorities continue their work, further updates are expected in the coming days. The public is being urged to report any information related to the incident, no matter how minor it may seem, to assist investigators in building a complete timeline of events.
This remains a developing story, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available through the Omaha Police Department’s official channels.
If you have any information regarding this incident, contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at (402) 444-STOP or submit an anonymous tip online.