Pensacola, Florida
Several people were killed in a shooting during a video games in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
In a press conference after the shooting, Sheriff Jacksonville’s office confirmed the killing of the suspect, described as a white man, and that no suspects were stuck. Officials said they believed the gunman was 24-year-old David Katz who was participating in the tournament.
Authorities said that three people were killed by a fatal bullet during the attack, including the shooter, who died of his gunshot wounds. Officials said about 12 others were wounded, including 9 who were shot and others wounded while fleeing the scene. The bullet surviving victims have been reported in stable condition in local hospitals.
The shooter used “at least one handgun” to carry out the attack, according to the sheriff’s office.
The attack occurred during the Madden 19 Championship at GLHF Game Bar, according to the Twitter of CompLexity Gaming, one of the event’s organizers. The Landing is an outdoor market with shops, bars, and restaurants in downtown Jacksonville along the St. Johns River.
The Sheriff Department published several tweets warning residents and visitors throughout the incident:
The Jacksonville Police Office said on Twitter: “Mass shooting in Jacksonville Landing. Stay out of the area. The area is not safe at this time. Stay away #TheLandingMassShooting.”
In a live online broadcast of the Madden event posted on Twitch, many loud gunshots could be heard and the game suddenly paused. After several gunshots, people shouted and someone shouted, “Oh (expletive), what did he shoot me?” The stream did not appear shooting.
I’m still in shock
The event was the Southeastern Playoffs for the Madden NFL Championship Series for Madden NFL 19, according to the tape’s Facebook page. The post reads in part: “This is your chance to win your place in the first Major’s Live Finals to be held in October 2018. Feel free to secure your place.”
Ryan Ellemon, who came from Texas to participate in the Games, said he collapsed and ran toward the restroom when he heard the shooting. He stayed there for about 10 minutes and then fled the scene.
“I’m still in shock, and I can barely talk,” he said.
Sheriff Williams said the area has been cleared of eyewitnesses and people have been asked not to come to the city center due to the size of the crime scene.
Bronson’s owner said he was at a nearby Hooters restaurant when the shooting happened.
“All I heard was he got a gun and started shooting. One of the men ran to Hooters with bullet wounds and they locked us in the restaurant,” he said in a message on social media.
CompLexity Gaming founder and CEO Jason Lake said one of its players, the 19-year-old who goes to Drini’s side, injured his thumb but managed to escape and would be fine. Lake said the shooting could make the growing esports industry reconsider event security.
He said, “For someone to get involved in an event like this, it’s all about good sportsmanship and teamwork, and only positive responses, and doing something like this, it’s heartbreaking.” “I think the esports industry as a whole will have to step back and take a look at strengthening our security even further.”
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation.
Federal law enforcement officials are monitoring the situation in Jacksonville. A law enforcement source said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is responding to the Jacksonville Landing scene.
