Former Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez recounted his role in aiding victims during the tragic shooting at the Equinox gym in Coral Gables, an incident that left three people dead last Saturday. In an exclusive interview with CBS4 and the Miami Herald, Alvarez shared the harrowing details of the event.
Alvarez explained that he witnessed the firing of Abeku Wilson, a 33-year-old personal trainer, earlier that day. Wilson had been terminated and escorted out of the gym located in the Shops at Merrick Park. According to police, Wilson returned shortly afterward armed with a gun.
The shooter targeted Janine Ackerman, 35, the general manager of Equinox, and Marios Hortis, 42, the gym’s fitness director, before turning the gun on himself. Both Ackerman and Hortis later succumbed to their injuries.
“I saw him again in the gym, and this time, he had a gun in his hand,” Alvarez told CBS4. “He said, ‘Where is he?’ He looked at me, and I looked at him. It was clear he was searching for the third person involved in his dismissal.”
According to the report, the third individual, a witness to the unfolding chaos, managed to escape after hearing the gunshots.
Alvarez, who is an experienced gym-goer and a regular at the Equinox location, expressed his shock at the violence. Despite the danger, he stepped in to assist other gym patrons during the incident, helping to provide aid and ensure the safety of those who were able to escape.
“I’ve never witnessed anything like this,” Alvarez said. “It was terrifying, but in that moment, all I could think about was helping those who were hurt and ensuring others were out of harm’s way.”
The incident has left the Coral Gables community in grief and shock. Ackerman and Hortis were well-respected leaders at the gym, remembered for their professionalism and dedication to fostering a positive environment for staff and members.
Equinox released a statement mourning the loss of their employees and offering support to those affected by the tragedy. “We are devastated by the loss of Janine and Marios. Our hearts are with their families, friends, and everyone in the Equinox community during this difficult time,” the statement read.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the events leading up to the shooting, including the circumstances surrounding Wilson’s dismissal. Preliminary reports indicate that Wilson’s termination was related to workplace behavioral issues, but details remain unclear.
Law enforcement officials have also praised the quick actions of gym staff and patrons, including Alvarez, in minimizing further casualties during the incident.
In the wake of the tragedy, local organizations and community members have come together to provide support for the victims’ families. A candlelight vigil is planned for later this week to honor the lives of Ackerman and Hortis, while Equinox has pledged to assist the families financially and emotionally during this time.
This shocking event serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing workplace conflicts and supporting mental health initiatives to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the Coral Gables community begins the healing process, the actions of individuals like Carlos Alvarez stand out as examples of courage and compassion in the face of crisis.
