Armed Attack in North Miami Church Parking Lot

On May 31, 2026, surveillance video from the parking lot of First United Methodist Church in North Miami, Florida, captured a disturbing attempt to kidnap a 74‑year‑old former member of the church. The suspect, 64‑year‑old Jose Tsu Zamora, was seen approaching the elderly woman, who had no prior public interaction with him, despite an active restraining injunction that prohibited contact.

Zamora, who is a convicted felon, was armed with a handgun. He tried to force the woman into his vehicle, holding her by the arms and threatening her. The victim, a former church attendee, resisted and managed to get away to a nearby tree while onlookers shouted for help.

Witnesses, including two men claiming to be armed, confronted Zamora and demanded he release the woman. They threatened violence against him should he not comply, and he fled the scene. In an interview, the victims asserted that they had previously lived with Zamora for many years; a fight in December 2025 motivated their separation. Yet Zamora had continued to violate the restraining order, culminating in this incident.

Police arrested Zamora without incident later that night on Northwest 186th Street in Miami‑Dade County. He faces charges of attempted kidnapping while armed, battery on an older adult, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated stalking (violation of the injunction), and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently held on a $745,000 bond.

Port St. Lucie Police Department praised the responders’ swift action, noting that community members’ intervention possibly prevented a more serious injury. The department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring that weapon‑violation laws are enforced.

The incident highlights the broader issue of ensuring safe environments at local places of worship and the importance of enforcing restraining orders. It also underscores the need for community vigilance, particularly in public spaces such as church parking lots where vulnerable individuals may be at risk.

Victims of domestic or violent crime are urged to seek help via the National Domestic Violence Hotline, available at 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) or by texting LOVEIS to 22522. Their courage in assisting emergency responders serves as a stark reminder of the vital role of citizens in safeguarding one another.