Man Opens Fire in Gym at Upscale Florida Mall

Two people were wounded Saturday when a former trainer opened fire at an upscale gym outside Miami, the New York Daily News reports. The Miami Herald identifies the shooter as Abeku Wilson, a 33-year-old bodybuilding enthusiast. Wilson had apparently been let go by the Equinox fitness center in Coral Gables but showed up Saturday in his uniform. Witnesses report hearing five shots and say Wilson opened fire on a man standing behind the counter at the gym. Wilson then reportedly shot and killed himself. Two wounded victims were airlifted to a hospital, Local 10 News reports. Witnesses identified them as Equinox general manager Janine Ackerman and trainer Mario Hortis.

The shooting occurred around 1pm at the Shops at Merrick Park mall. Shoppers and diners at businesses near Equinox ran for the exits, hid under tables, or ducked into restaurant kitchens. Business were locked down, and the mall was closed for hours following the shooting. A former Miami city commissioner and client of Wilson's says Wilson was the most popular trainer at the gym. Another person at the gym describes Wilson as a "nice guy, quiet." (The two victims have since died.)