Police leaders and elected officials react to shooting in Ramirez
DORAL, Florida. – Local and state law enforcement and elected officials offered their support to Miami-Dade Police Department Director Freddy Ramirez on Monday after he shot and wounded himself along Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County last night.
Ramirez was in the Tampa area for the Sheriff’s Summer Conference, which was held at the JW Marriott Hotel in downtown Tampa. Sunday evening was the first night of the four-day event.
Several sources tell Local 10 News that Ramirez and his wife, to whom he has been married since 1995, had an argument earlier in the night, resulting in a witness calling Tampa police. These sources say that although no arrests were made by the police, the couple was kicked out of the hotel and Ramirez later shot himself.
Stedman Stahl, who leads the Miami-Dade Police Benevolent Association, a union representing MDPD officers, praised Ramirez’s leadership in an interview with Local 10 News, saying he hopes the director makes a full recovery.
“He’s a great person, he’s done a lot of good for the community and we’re just absolutely shocked that our MDPD leader is in the hospital right now.” Stahl said. “He’s a good man, a good father, a great personal friend of mine, and like I said, it’s devastating to even stand here and talk about these things.”
A number of police chiefs from South Florida and other areas of the state also offered support.
MDPD staff and police chaplains also gathered to pray for Ramirez on Monday.
Ramirez’s boss, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, shared the statement on Twitter:
“Our hearts go out to Chief of Public Safety Freddy Ramirez and his family during this difficult time. All that matters now is his well-being and we continue to pray for his speedy recovery,” she said.
Our hearts go out to Chief of Public Safety Freddy Ramirez and his family at this difficult time. All that matters now is his well-being and we continue to pray for his speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/KwL5L4AZhJ
— Daniella Levin Kava (@MayorDaniella) July 24, 2023
Other elected officials also spoke out, including members of Congress representing Miami-Dade County.
Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart said he was “praying with Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez and his family.”
“Wishing a speedy recovery to the Miami-Dade Police Director and @5000RoleModels mentor, @AFreddyRamirez‘ tweeted Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him during this difficult time.”
WATCH: Members of Congress Offer Support
US Republican and former Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Jimenez also expressed good wishes on Monday.
“Our prayers are with Police Director Freddy Ramirez,” he said. “Lourdes and I are praying for his quick and speedy recovery.”
Broward USA Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, whose county included part of Miami-Dade County, also praised Ramirez.
“Freddie and I worked closely during the tragedy of the Surfside building collapse as he painstakingly worked non-stop on the front lines of an unspeakable disaster. His leadership qualities are unparalleled,” said Wasserman Schultz. “He has been a pillar of strength for our community during this unprecedented crisis and as a leader in law enforcement.”
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