Chaos at PGA tour event as gunman shoots dead two and flees across course
Two men were shot to death near the ongoing Players Championship before the gunman fled to the TPC Sawgrass course, sparking a manhunt in Northeast Florida.
St. The suspect was arrested and identified as Christian Barrios, according to St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick.
Barrios allegedly shot two people multiple times in the Walgreens parking lot around 10:30 p.m. Friday in what Hardwick called a domestic violence situation. The store is located about a mile from the course and less than 1,000 feet from other PGA Tour properties.
The victims succumbed to their injuries after being taken to hospital, Hardwick told reporters. Their names have not been released yet.
Authorities said Barrios was captured around 8 a.m. Saturday in Nassau County, about an hour north of TPC Sawgrass.
Although no one on the field was injured and the suspect was arrested, tournament officials still delayed the opening of gates for the third round of play on Saturday. The PGA cited ‘operational considerations’ in deciding not to open the gates until 9am. The tour started at 8.15am according to schedule, but the opening of the hospitality areas was delayed until 11am.
St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick said the suspect, whom he identified as Christian Barrios, shot two people multiple times around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Christian Barrios allegedly killed two people at this Walgreens in Ponte Verda Beach, Florida, and then fled across the highway to the TPC Sawgrass golf course.
TPC Sawgrass’ famous 17th green was seen Friday before the deadly shooting nearby
Daily Mail, both St. He requested more information from both the St. John’s County and Nassau County Sheriff’s Offices.
After the attack, canine units tracked Barrios to TPC Sawgrass, Hardwick said. He added that the 32-year-old suspect took the PGA Tour radio and then dropped it before stealing a black BMW.
‘We know he had contact with some employees there’ [TPC Sawgrass]” said Hardwick. ‘He called, it wasn’t one of our radios, we think it was a PGA Tour radio, and we know he dropped it later. Our dogs used that as a scent when they got there.’
Nassau County authorities pursued the BMW and eventually forced it to crash into the woods. The suspect fled on foot before being located and taken into custody.
According to online reports, Barrios was arrested for alleged vehicle theft in 2023
Games began Saturday at TPC Sawgrass before crowds were allowed into the field
Barrios has a long criminal history that includes 27 arrests, Hardwick said. Additionally, Barrios knew the victims, Hardwick said.
“His criminal history is disgraceful,” Hardwick said. ‘This makes me sick.
‘[Barrios] “He was released from prison again on parole after committing another violent crime,” Hardwick continued. ‘We’re throwing all these resources here, and families will mourn the loss of two people shot to death in a Walgreens parking lot due to domestic violence.’
According to online reports, Barrios was arrested in 2023 for alleged vehicle theft.
Hardwick told reporters early Saturday morning that Barrios’ mother was cooperating with officers.
