Citibank Employee Killed in Shooting Linked to $2,500 Debt Collection Dispute
A Citibank employee was killed Nov. 4 in a shooting at the company’s Tampa-area office complex after a man allegedly threatened violence over a $2,500 credit card debt collection lawsuit. The incident highlights workplace safety concerns for creditors, collection agencies and legal professionals handling consumer debt disputes.
Shooting Followed Threats Over Credit Card Debt
The Hillsborough County Sheriff, Chad Chronister, said the gunman, 35-year-old Jacob Pearson of Orlando, had contacted an attorney affiliated with Citibank approximately three hours before the shooting.
Pearson allegedly threatened to arrive at the company’s offices with a rifle and body armor unless a court hearing involving his unpaid credit card debt was canceled.
Court records show Citibank filed a collection lawsuit against Pearson on Oct. 23, seeking $2,556.40 in unpaid credit card debt. A hearing had been scheduled for Feb. 15.
Authorities said Pearson subsequently drove approximately 90 miles from Orlando to Citibank’s campus in suburban Tampa, crashed through a fence and opened fire on employees.
The attack killed Leanne Selman, 41, who had worked at Citibank for nine years and served as a Learning Advisor for Citi Security and Investigative Services. Investigators confirmed Selman had no connection to Pearson or the collection lawsuit.
An armed Citibank security executive shot Pearson, who later died at a hospital. Four additional people received medical treatment for minor injuries or other medical concerns.
Attorney Reported Threat Before Shooting
Chronister said the attorney Pearson contacted had reported the threat, prompting Citibank security personnel and law enforcement to respond. Deputies were arriving at the complex to provide additional security when the shooting began.
Authorities said Pearson brought approximately 90 rounds of ammunition to the campus. Citibank’s armed security personnel stopped him before additional employees were shot.
Citigroup spokesperson Ed Skyler described Selman as a beloved employee and said the company would allow staff to work remotely following the tragedy.
Workplace Safety Implications for Debt Collection Professionals
The shooting raises serious considerations for organizations involved in consumer debt collection, particularly those handling litigation and direct communications with consumers experiencing financial difficulties.
Although violent incidents of this nature are not representative of typical debt collection interactions, threats directed at collection agencies, attorneys, or creditors require established response procedures.
For receivables management organizations, the incident reinforces the importance of documenting and escalating credible threats, coordinating with law enforcement, training employees on workplace safety procedures, and maintaining appropriate security measures.
There is no indication that improper debt collection practices contributed to the incident. Authorities identified Pearson’s anger over the collection lawsuit as the apparent motive.
The tragedy also underscores the consequences of violence directed toward financial institutions, particularly for employees who have no involvement in the underlying disputes.
Selman, a nine-year Citibank employee, was among approximately 3,200 people working at the company’s Tampa-area campus.
