Several people were killed this afternoon during a mass shooting at the Madden 19 Tournament at the Jacksonville Landing, a large shopping and dining complex, in Jacksonville, Florida. The local sheriff’s office has confirmed they have a suspect dead at the scene. SWAT teams are combing the area for more suspects.
One suspect is dead at the scene, unknown at this time if we have a second suspect. Searches are being conducted. https://t.co/qBJvkaO7xT
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
BREAKING: Multiple people have been killed in a mass shooting at a mall hosting a Madden tournament in Jacksonville, Florida. Police say one suspect is dead. https://t.co/36ovApFjQk pic.twitter.com/cZ817EpeEh
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 26, 2018
A Twitter live stream captured the moment the shooting occurred.
The moment a gunman apparently opens fire at a Madden tournament in Jacksonville.
Audio could be disturbing to some people. pic.twitter.com/h1O9lWxCTM
— iSpoonz (@iSpoonz_) August 26, 2018
Reports indicate as many as four people are dead, with at least 10 others sustaining injuries. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry says he is in contact with Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams and the shooting has been characterized as an “ongoing situation.”
Mayor @lennycurry and Sheriff Williams are in contact regarding the ongoing situation at the Landing. Please follow @JSOPIO and all instructions from the Sheriff's office regarding movement downtown. The mayor and Sheriff are expected to address media later today.
— City of Jacksonville (@CityofJax) August 26, 2018
Florida Governor Rick Scott has announced Florida Department of Law Enforcement personnel is responding to the shooting.
“We will continue to receive updates from law enforcement,” he wrote.
I’ve spoken to @JSOPIO Mike Williams to offer any state resources he may need. FDLE is currently responding, and I have spoken to FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen regarding the shooting in Jacksonville. We will continue to receive updates from law enforcement.
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) August 26, 2018
According to Malik Brunson, a witness who was at a nearby Hooters when the shooting began at the GLHF Game Bar, a man ran screaming into the restaurant shortly after the first shots were fired.
“I was in Hooters, all I heard was he got a gun and the shooting started,” Brunson told CNN. “One of the men ran into hooters with the shot wounds — they locked us in the restaurant.”
The Jacksonville Landing hosts year-round entertainment, as well as multiple dining options and a shopping mall. According to GLHF Game Bar’s Facebook page, today’s event was the Southeastern Qualifier for the Madden NFL Championship Series for Madden NFL 18.
“This is your chance to earn your spot in the first Major’s Live Finals happening in October 2018. Don’t hesitate to secure your spot,” a part of the post reads.
In a statement, Jason Lake, CompLexity Gaming founder, and CEO, revealed more information about the condition of one of their players, who was hit by gunfire.
We’re obviously shocked and saddened by this afternoon’s events. Our player, Drini, was hit in the thumb but is going to be fine. He managed to escape and run down the street to a nearby gym. He’s currently cooperating with the authorities and we will be flying him out of Jacksonville as soon as we are given the green light from the officials on the ground,” he said.
Members of the gaming community have already begun to respond to the news of the shooting.
My heart is broken hearing about the shooting at the Madden tournament in Jacksonville, a venue where FGC events are held as well.
I agree with more security but y'all need to stop ignoring the politics.
Take a stand for life & the lives people lost from a gun.
Use your voice.
— Bear (@BearUNLV) August 26, 2018
Horrible to hear what happened at the Jacksonville Madden Tournament. These types of events definitely need more security. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this shooting.
— Typical Gamer (@TypicalGamer) August 26, 2018
My heart goes out to those affected in the #Jacksonville mass shooting at the Madden gaming tournament. We live in dark times when people may be in danger for enjoying the things they have a passion for.
— ZeRo @ Smash Ultimate (@zerowondering) August 26, 2018
This is Jacksonville’s second mass shooting in as many days. Yesterday, a shooting during a football game at Raines High School, where about 4,000 spectators attended, left one person dead and two others injured.
This is a developing story.
