Authorities Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting at Florence Tower Apartment Complex in Omaha After Active Shooter Incident Leaves One Dead and Suspected Gunman Critically Injured
Omaha, Nebraska — April 13, 2025
Authorities are investigating a critical incident at the Florence Tower apartment complex in the 5100 block of Florence Boulevard, Omaha, following a report of an active shooter on the evening of Sunday, April 13. The incident, which escalated into an officer-involved shooting, resulted in the death of one person and the critical injury of the suspected gunman.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., Omaha police received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire within the Florence Tower building. Residents of the apartment complex, located in the northern part of the city, were in a state of panic as gunshots echoed throughout the building. Law enforcement officers were quickly dispatched to the scene, along with emergency medical services.
Upon arrival, officers encountered the suspected gunman, whose identity has not been released, inside one of the apartments. It is unclear at this time what led to the confrontation or if the suspect had been actively threatening others prior to the shooting. As officers attempted to make contact with the individual, the situation rapidly escalated, and gunfire was exchanged between law enforcement and the suspect.
During the exchange, one person was fatally shot, though authorities have not confirmed the exact circumstances surrounding the fatality. The suspect was critically injured in the shooting and was rushed to a nearby hospital in unstable condition. The identity of the individual who died, as well as the suspected gunman, remains undisclosed, pending further investigation and the notification of next of kin.
The Omaha Police Department has confirmed that no officers were injured during the altercation. Following protocol, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while the Nebraska State Patrol and the Omaha Police Department’s Investigative Division conduct a thorough investigation into the events that unfolded.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
Authorities have cordoned off the area surrounding Florence Tower as investigators continue to gather evidence. A crime scene unit was observed collecting forensic evidence from the apartment complex and conducting interviews with witnesses and residents who were in the building at the time of the incident. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from inside the complex to better understand the sequence of events leading to the officer-involved shooting.
In a press statement, Omaha Police Chief Jessica Stokes expressed deep concern over the incident and promised transparency as the investigation progresses. “Our department is committed to ensuring that we fully investigate this situation and provide the public with the facts surrounding what occurred. Our priority is always to protect the safety of our residents and ensure justice is served,” Stokes said.
The Omaha Police Department’s Critical Incident Review Team will conduct a separate investigation to review the actions of the officers involved in the shooting. In addition, the Nebraska State Patrol has taken the lead in investigating the events leading up to the gunfire.
Local residents and neighbors are shaken by the sudden violence in what is typically a quiet, suburban area. Many expressed disbelief, saying they never expected such an incident to happen so close to home. “I heard the shots and thought it was a firecracker at first,” said Sarah Medina, a resident of the complex. “When I saw the police cars and ambulances, it hit me how serious this was. It’s just scary.”
Several residents were evacuated from the building during the initial stages of the investigation, and some were taken to a nearby community center for temporary shelter. The Omaha Red Cross has been working alongside local authorities to provide support for those displaced by the incident.
Response from Local Leadership
Omaha Mayor Jennifer L. Taylor issued a statement Monday morning, expressing her condolences to the victims’ families and offering support to the first responders involved in the situation. “This tragic event has deeply affected our community, and my thoughts are with those affected by the violence. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that we understand the full scope of what occurred and hold those responsible accountable.”
Community leaders in the area have called for increased support and resources for residents in the wake of the traumatic event. Pastor William Hayes of the nearby Florence Baptist Church expressed concern about the toll such violence takes on local residents. “The Florence community is strong, but we must come together to support each other in these trying times. We stand with the families involved and are here to help in any way we can.”
A Growing Concern of Gun Violence
The incident at Florence Tower is the latest in a series of shootings across the state, raising questions about gun violence and the safety of residents in Omaha. Gun violence has become a growing concern in cities across the nation, and local lawmakers are under increasing pressure to find solutions to address the rising number of gun-related incidents.
As the investigation into the officer-involved shooting continues, questions remain about the presence of firearms in the building and whether they were legally owned or obtained. Omaha Police are working with federal authorities to trace the origin of any weapons involved in the incident.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The Nebraska State Patrol has asked anyone with information about the events at Florence Tower to come forward. Authorities are particularly interested in speaking with individuals who may have seen or heard something relevant to the situation.
As the investigation unfolds, more details will be released regarding the identity of the deceased and the condition of the gunman. Law enforcement is also expected to provide further updates on the status of the officers involved in the shooting.