SEBRING, Fla. — Florida authorites say at least five people were killed when a gunman fired shots into a SunTrust in Sebring Wednesday.
Investigators identified the suspect 21-year-old Zephen Xaver.
Xaver surrendered after a standoff with SWAT teams, according to the Sebring Police Department.
Police said Xaver called 911 and reported that he had fired shots inside the bank around 12:30 p.m. Investigators have not determined his motive.
"I have shot five people," police said Xaver told dispatch.
Police released a mugshot of Xaver Wednesday night:
Shooting suspect Zephen Xaver.
Posted by Highlands County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, January 23, 2019
They also released a video of Xaver being led from interviews to booking.
The victims have not been identified pending notification of family members. Police said they were the only five people in the bank at the time.
"This is a terrible day for Sebring, Highlands County and for the state of Florida," Gov. Ron DeSantis said. "This is an individual who needs to face very swift and exacting justice."
Multiple law enforcement vehicles were on the scene as the shooting unfolded Wednesday afternoon. Police said Xaver barricaded himself inside the bank before SWAT teams destroyed the front entrance and went inside to negotiate with him.
On Wednesday night, investigators were seen putting crime scene tape around a home that may be connected to Xaver.
Our ABC affiliate in Tampa, WFTS, spoke with a neighbor, who said she was shocked. She told reporters she had just been at the Xaver home on Wednesday morning to say goodbye to Xaver's mother, who was leaving on a business trip.
HAPPENING NOW: detectives just put up crime scene tape around home that may be connected to accused SunTrust gunman, Zepher Xaver. @abcactionnews pic.twitter.com/CRQjDO0AMo
— Ryan Smith (@RyanReports) January 23, 2019
Florida Sen. Rick Scott said he was sending his prayers to all involved.
I just spoke with Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman to get an update on the shooting in Sebring, FL.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) January 23, 2019
Follow @HighCoSheriff for continued updates. Ann and I are sending prayers to those involved. https://t.co/CQg6zJxmT2
Gov. Ron DeSantis also issued a statement on Twitter, saying he was praying for the victims and offering support to law enforcement. DeSantis said he would be at the press conference.
This is a terrible day for Sebring, Highlands County and for the state of Florida. Casey and I extend our most sincere condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims. The people of Florida stand with the community of Sebring.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 23, 2019
Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said it's one of the worst crimes he's encountered in his career.
“I am heartbroken that this horrendous incident has occurred in our county,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “I pray for the victims, their families and our community. This tragedy will have a lasting impact on Highlands County and likely this community will never be the same.
“I have been in law enforcement all of my adult life and this horrific incident shocks and angers me more than anything I have encountered in my career. While we still don’t know what drove the suspect to commit this heinous act, there is no excuse that can justify the cold-blooded murder of multiple victims.”
Cox Media Group
