Mass shooting causes multiple fatalities at competitive gaming event in Florida
A gunman opened fire in the middle of a video game tournament in the US state of Florida, killing two people and injuring 11 more before turning the gun on himself, authorities said.
The shooting, which happened around 1:30 pm on Sunday, was connected to a Madden NFL 19 video game tournament at Chicago Pizza in the Jacksonville Landing.
The suspect was identified as 24-year-old David Katz from Baltimore who used “at least one handgun” on the victims and himself, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said.
Williams did not elaborate on the motive of the shooting, but a witness told reporters that Katz was upset because he had lost the tournament. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives visited Katz’s residence in Baltimore and impounded his vehicle.
“We have faced an occurrence that is all too common,” Mayor Lenny Curry said. “At terrible times, we see the best in people, and today is no different.”
Mass shooting at the Jacksonville Landing. Stay far away from the area. The area is not safe at this time. STAY AWAY #TheLandingMassShooting
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
Gunshots can be heard in recordings of a Madden NFL video game that was underway in Chicago Pizza at the Landing.
The GLHF Game Bar in the Jacksonville Landing, which was hosting the tournament, has said that all staff members and the owner were able to escape "untouched."
"SWAT is doing a methodical search inside The Landing," the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said. "We will get to you. Please don't come running out."
This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved.
— Electronic Arts (@EA) August 26, 2018
US President Donald Trump has been briefed on the shooting, according to White House press secretary Sarah Sanders.
Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a gun control advocate who was seriously wounded in a mass shooting in 2012, said in a statement, "The nation once again looks to Florida with grief and heavy hearts."
The nation once again looks to Florida with grief and heavy hearts. The massacre in Jacksonville is yet another devastating indictment of this country's inability to keep our kids safe. https://t.co/NNw88rVWR2
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) August 26, 2018
"The massacre in Jacksonville is a tragic reminder of the threats we face from gun violence, no matter who we are or where our day takes us," said Giffords. "And it's yet another devastating indictment of this country's inability to keep our kids safe."
The shooting site was later secured, according to Jacksonville County Sheriff Mike Williams.
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