Shooting near venue ‘not linked’ to Best of the Best Festival

An isolated incident near Bayfront Park in Miami on Sunday evening prompted a police response, but organizers of the Best of the Best Music Fest have confirmed the matter was entirely unrelated to the event.

In a statement issued late Sunday, festival organizers clarified that the shooting occurred outside the venue’s perimeter and involved an individual who was not a festival attendee.

“The incident that occurred outside of Bayfront Park was in no way affiliated with Best of the Best,” said Ronnie Tomlinson, Director of PR and Marketing for the festival. “The individual involved was not a patron of the event and is not from the immediate area.”

Now in its 19th year, Best of the Best is celebrated as North America's premier Caribbean music festival, known for its world-class entertainment, welcoming energy, and consistent track record of safety.

“In nearly two decades of hosting this festival, we have never had an issue of this nature. Sunday’s show has been a success, and we remain committed to providing a secure space for Caribbean music lovers to come together and celebrate culture,” Tomlinson added.

While Miami police continue to investigate the shooting—which left a 21-year-old man hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds—festival organizers are urging the public to avoid speculation and await official updates from authorities.