In the early hours of November 8, 2025, the historic Ybor City district of Tampa, Florida, was rocked by a tragedy that left four people dead and at least 13 others injured after a car, allegedly driven by 22-year-old Silas Sampson, crashed into a crowd gathered outside Bradley’s on 7th, a popular LGBTQ bar. The shocking incident unfolded just before 1 a.m., as a night of celebration turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak.
The events began when Tampa Police Air Service spotted a silver Toyota Camry driving recklessly and at high speed on Interstate 275. According to Tampa police, the vehicle had been seen street racing earlier on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street. Officers with the Florida Highway Patrol initiated a pursuit after observing the car’s dangerous behavior. At one point, authorities attempted a PIT (precision immobilization technique) maneuver—a tactic used to stop fleeing vehicles—but disengaged as the car approached the bustling 7th Avenue corridor, citing the heightened risk to bystanders in the area. As the pursuit ended, Sampson continued at a high rate of speed, ultimately losing control of his vehicle and careening into the patio of Bradley’s, where more than a dozen people were gathered.
Security footage and surveillance video released by Tampa police captured the horrifying moment. The silver Camry barreled through the intersection, sending tables and chairs flying and leaving patrons scrambling for safety. Three victims died at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. Of the 13 others injured, at least two were reported in critical condition, with others hospitalized or treated at the scene. All of the victims were adults, and police emphasized that there was no evidence the crash was targeted at any specific individuals or businesses, according to a statement released later that day.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and devastating. Howard Hopkins, who was next door to Bradley’s when the crash occurred, recalled, “It was coming so fast, I was just in shock.” He added, “It was a full patio. The tables went flying and chairs were flying, it was pretty bad.” For many, a night out with friends ended in tragedy. “I just feel bad, and thoughts and prayers go out to the family members and their friends and loved ones because they just came out for a good night. Nobody expected this to happen,” Hopkins said, according to Spectrum News 9.
Bradley’s on 7th, known as a sanctuary and a place of celebration for Tampa’s LGBTQ community, was packed that night, with drag performers scheduled to take the stage just 15 minutes after the crash. The bar’s owner, Bradley Nelson, expressed the trauma felt by his staff and patrons, stating, “This event has been very traumatic for my entire staff, and myself. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of those who were killed, and to all the injured.” Tampa Pride, a local LGBTQ organization, also posted condolences on social media, noting, “Bradley’s holds a special place in our LGBTQIA community and the heart of the Ybor Neighborhood.”
City officials responded swiftly to the tragedy. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw condemned the reckless driving that led to the crash, saying, “What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted. Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families.” Bercaw further emphasized the randomness of the event, noting, “They were out in Ybor having a good time, expecting to go home safely, and a careless, reckless driver takes everybody’s lives in his hands and just ended this night in a situation that’s never going to be the same for these individuals.”
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who previously served as the city’s first female police chief, echoed these sentiments in a post on social media: “What happened in Ybor last night was devastating. Families are grieving, first responders are hurting, and our city feels this loss. My thoughts are with everyone affected. The investigation continues, and our commitment to keeping our community safe has never been stronger.” Castor also highlighted the significance of Bradley’s as more than just a nightclub, calling it “a sanctuary, a space of celebration, love, and chosen family for countless people across Tampa Bay.”
The suspect, Silas Sampson, was immediately detained at the scene and is now facing four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death. These are all first-degree felonies, and Sampson was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail without bond. As of Saturday, no attorney was listed for Sampson, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police have reiterated that, at this time, there is no evidence to suggest the crash was a targeted act against the LGBTQ community or any individual.
The incident has reignited conversations around the dangers of street racing and high-speed police pursuits in urban areas. The federal government released a report in 2023 urging law enforcement agencies to reduce the frequency of police chases and consider alternative tactics due to the high risks involved. The PIT maneuver, in particular, has been scrutinized for its potential to cause serious injury or death, as seen in this case where the attempt to stop Sampson failed, and the pursuit ended in tragedy.
Ybor City residents and business owners have expressed sorrow and concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for safety and vigilance in the historic district known for its nightlife and diverse community. Eric Ebuen, a local resident, lamented, “We want to see Ybor City shown in its best. So, this is the type of attention we don’t want to see.” The community is now left grappling with the aftermath, supporting those affected, and seeking answers as the investigation continues.
As the city mourns, the focus remains on the victims and their families, the ongoing investigation, and the broader issues of public safety and accountability. The events of November 8 serve as a stark reminder of how quickly a night of joy can turn to tragedy, and how vital it is for communities and authorities to work together to prevent such senseless loss in the future.
