‘A talent, a light’: St. Pete dance community remembers LeAnne Selman after Citibank shooting

The vibrant spark of LeAnne Selman, a beloved member of Tampa Bay’s performing arts community, was extinguished Wednesday when she became the victim of a shooting at the Citibank office in Brandon. Selman, 41, of Palm Harbor, worked for Citibank for nine years and was described by colleagues as “a bright light.” But beyond her professional life, Selman illuminated stages as a dancer, performer, and cherished friend, leaving behind a community grappling with grief and celebrating a life dedicated to creativity and connection. Citibank has pledged to honor her life and contributions.

What Happened

On Wednesday, Jacob Pearson, 35, drove onto the Citibank campus armed with a rifle, handgun, and 90 rounds of ammunition. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister stated Pearson was motivated by a delinquent $2,500 Citibank debt and a court summons. He made a threat involving an AR-15 and body armor to an attorney's office contracted by Citibank for collections. The attorney's office alerted Citibank security, which contacted law enforcement. Pearson then encountered LeAnne Selman, the first employee he encountered after exiting his vehicle. “She wasn't able to get away quick enough, and she paid with her life,” Chronister said. He then proceeded to enter the cafeteria where he was confronted by Citibank security officer John Fraley, a Marine Corps veteran. Fraley exchanged gunfire with Pearson and shot him five times, ultimately preventing what authorities believe would have been a far greater loss of life among the approximately 3,200 employees present that day.

Pearson was transported to Tampa General Hospital where he later died. Investigators confirmed Selman had no connection to the shooter, emphasizing that her death was a tragic consequence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The incident has shaken the community, prompting widespread mourning and a desire to understand the events that led to such a devastating loss. Sacred Lands Preservation, a local organization, will host a tribute event this weekend.

Selman’s colleagues at Citibank remember her fondly. “You could tell the impact she had, not just in her work, but the impact she had at our site, and how people enjoy being around her,” said Citigroup executive Ed Skyler. “And this is going to be a very hard loss for all of our colleagues here.” Her role as a learning adviser in human resources demonstrated her commitment to both her profession and the well-being of those around her. The company intends to find a way to honor her contributions and remember her life.

Community Reaction

The loss has resonated deeply within Tampa Bay’s performing arts community, where Selman was a vibrant and respected figure. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, compassion, and support for LeAnne Selman and for the many people whose lives she touched,” Hip Expressions said in a statement. Selman performed with Hip Expressions for over a decade, becoming an integral part of their team. Her commitment to community and collaboration was as notable as her talent and creativity.

Fellow performer Natalia Vargas, who crossed paths with Selman backstage at a Hip Expressions event last year, described her as “a talent, a light.” Vargas recalled connecting with Selman over their shared enthusiasm for costumes and performance. “She was a really beautiful performer,” Vargas said. “Just her fire dancing. I mean, that's the cool. I wish I could do that, but I have long hair. I'd be too afraid to set my hair on fire.” Vargas added that descriptions she has heard of Selman since her death go well beyond her abilities as a performer. “She was just a talent, a light more than anything,” she said. “Everyone who was close to her just talked about how creative she was and how sweet she was.”

The closeness within the dance community was underscored by Vargas's observation that “dance is our second family,” a sentiment rooted in the vulnerability and shared experiences inherent in the art form. “I think it's because dance is our second family,” Vargas said. “For some of us, it's our chosen family.” Dancing, she said, requires performers to be vulnerable with one another. “We're using our body, our emotions, and this is like family,” Vargas said. “So losing someone in the dance community, it's like, it hits close to home because this is our home.” These relationships are built over countless rehearsals, performances and shared experiences. “We spend so much, so much time practicing, so many hours a week practicing,” Vargas said. “It's like we bicker and fight and we laugh together and we cry together.”

What's Next

To honor Selman’s memory, Hip Expressions’ annual fundraiser, Tribal Burn, will proceed as planned. However, out of respect for Selman’s family and to preserve the intimacy of the event, it will be closed to news media. Organizers expressed gratitude for media interest but requested privacy during this time of mourning. Hip Expressions’ statement ended with a quote from Rumi: “The stars form a circle, and in the center, we dance.”

The community is focused on honoring Selman’s memory and supporting her loved ones. The performance is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday, November 7, at Sacred Lands Preservation, 1700 Park Street North in St. Petersburg. Doors open at 7 p.m. The event is described as a pirate-themed fire show and theatrical performance featuring local performers. Tickets are available Tribal Burn Eventbrite.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities continuing to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. The focus remains on understanding Pearson’s motives and ensuring the safety of the community. Citibank is working to find an appropriate way to formally honor Selman’s life and contributions within the company, a process that will unfold over time as colleagues and leaders reflect on her impact.

Marcus's Take

The senselessness of LeAnne Selman’s death is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community. While we rightly celebrate the courage of the Citibank security officer who prevented further tragedy, we must also acknowledge the profound loss felt by her family, friends, and colleagues. Her life, filled with creativity and connection through dance, stands in sharp contrast to the violence that took it. It’s a sorrowful truth that communities built on strong relationships – families, faith-based organizations, artistic collectives – are often the most vulnerable when tragedy strikes. The outpouring of grief underscores the vital role these connections play in providing support and healing.

What’s particularly troubling is the underlying despair that drove Jacob Pearson to such an act of violence. While the details of his financial struggles are still emerging, it’s a clear indicator of the societal pressures and anxieties that can lead individuals down a destructive path. We need to ask ourselves: what more can be done to support those struggling with financial hardship and mental health challenges? The dance community’s commitment to honoring Selman’s memory through their art is a beautiful testament to the power of creativity to heal and connect, but it also highlights the urgent need for broader societal solutions to prevent future tragedies. Let us remember LeAnne Selman not only for how she died, but for the joy and light she brought into the world, and let that memory inspire us to build stronger, more supportive communities.

The loss of LeAnne Selman leaves a void in the Tampa Bay community, but also serves as a call to action—a reminder to cherish relationships, support one another through difficult times, and strive to create a world where creativity and connection flourish. The strength and resilience of the dance community, and the commitment of individuals like John Fraley, offer a beacon of hope amidst the grief. We must continue to seek ways to build bridges, offer assistance, and foster a culture of compassion and understanding.

Resources for those affected by the shooting and seeking mental health support can be found through the United Way 211 helpline and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline.