3 dead, including shooter, after mass shooting at Jacksonville Madden tournament
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office confirmed there were multiple fatalities following a shooting at a Jacksonville, Fla., mall on Sunday, which was hosting a Madden NFL 19 tournament.
"There were three deceased individuals at the scene, one of those being the suspect, who took his own life," Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said during a press conference Sunday evening. "There were nine victims transported by JFRD to area hospitals, seven of those had gunshot wounds. In addition, there were two additional gunshot victims that self-transported themselves to local hospitals. I'm happy to report they're all in stable condition at this time."
Williams announced the suspect is believed to be a 24-year-old named David Katz from Baltimore, Md.
"The FBI is assisting us with that leg of the investigation in Baltimore," he said.
The tournament was being held at GLHF Game Bar, which is located inside the Jacksonville Landing riverfront complex. The Madden tournament was being live-streamed online, and video was captured that contained audio of several gunshots as the game paused.
Drini Gjoka, one of the players in the tournament, said a bullet struck his thumb.
The tourney just got shot up. Im leavinng and never coming back
- Drini Gjoka (@YoungDrini) August 26, 2018
I will never take anything for granted ever again. Life can be cut short in a second
- Drini Gjoka (@YoungDrini) August 26, 2018
Jason Lake, CEO of CompLexity Gaming, said Gjoka managed to escape by running down the street to a nearby gym.
Electronic Arts, the company that produces Madden, released a statement offering their sympathies to the victims.
The NFL released a statement later Sunday evening:
"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy today in Jacksonville. Our hearts go out to all those affected. We are grateful for the first responders immediately on the scene. We support our partners at EA Sports and will continue to monitor developments with local law enforcement."
Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan also sent his condolences on behalf of the entire franchise.
Statement from our owner Shad Khan: pic.twitter.com/06dDq1uFaz
- #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) August 26, 2018
Florida governor Rick Scott said he spoke to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and to mayor Lenny Curry, offering state support and resources to both.
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