Video Reportedly Shows Shirtless Bank Robber Killed by Police Near Art Basel in Miami
A man who reportedly tried to rob a Bank of America was shot and killed by police on Saturday just blocks away from Art Basel, the annual art world gathering in the city.
The man reportedly told a bank teller at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning that he had a bomb, and fled to a nearby barber shop when police arrived at the scene. The Miami Herald reports:
Witnesses said he could be seen causing a commotion inside the shop. Police said he refused to leave the shop.
He emerged with a straight edge razor in his hand.
The incident that followed, in which police officers confront and ultimately shoot the man as he stands before them, was caught on video by a bystander. A warning—the video contains graphic images.
DISTURBING VIDEO: Man killed by @MiamiBeachPD at Alton Rd and 15th today during #ArtBasel https://t.co/09cimUuzvC pic.twitter.com/PzNX00zcv0
— Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) December 5, 2015
A statement issued by the Miami Beach police department reads:
The subject emerged with a straight edge razor in his hand. Shots were fired and the subject is deceased. Pursuant to departmental policy, Miami-Dade County Police Department will be investigating the shooting. The FBI and Miami Beach Police Department will be investigating the bank robbery.
On Friday evening, Art Basel played host to another violent incident: one female attendee reportedly stabbed another with an X-Acto knife. Shocked onlookers said that they thought the incident was part of a performance piece.