(Update 7:20 pm 8-26-2018)
JACKSONVILLE – (WBAP/KLIF) –
Three people are now confirmed dead by gunfire, nine others are being treated for gunshot wounds and several others were injured trying to escape gunfire in a mass shooting at a Jacksonville, Florida mall known as The Landing. It happened Sunday afternoon, inside the Chicago Pizza restaurant inside that mall, as a video gaming competition was underway.
The suspect is identified as a man in his early 20’s from Baltimore, but police have released that information with the proviso it could be updated. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Willliams does not confirm earlier reports the gunman was on the losing end of that gaming competition. Seven people were transported to area hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds; two others are reported to have driven themselves to area hospitals. Williams says several more were injured trying to flee the gunfire. Federal agents with ATF have joined the investigation. Mayor Lenny Curry says his city is in mourning. Streets around The Landing mall will be closed through at least Monday as the investigation proceeds. Sheriff Williams says a video of the shooting that went live on social media is in investigator’s hands, but he asks anyone with additional video, photographs or information about the shooting or suspect to contact the Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff’s Department.
(As earlier reported right after the shooting) – Four people were killed and 11 others injured after a shooter opened fire at a Madden video game tournament in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office say one suspect is dead at the scene, and it is unknown if there was a second shooter. A search is underway.
A tweet from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office was posted stating: “Mass shooting at the Jacksonville Landing. Stay far away from the area. The area is not safe at this time. STAY AWAY #TheLandingMassShooting”
According to the sheriffs office: “Multiple fatalities at the scene, many transported,” and “We can’t stress enough to stay away. Many blocks away.”
Authorities have also posted online asking that anyone who is hiding in the area to call 911 so police can get them out.
“We are finding many people hiding in locked areas at The Landing,” the sheriff’s office said. “We ask you to stay calm, stay where you are hiding. SWAT is doing a methodical search inside The Landing. We will get to you. Please don’t come running out.”
A live feed from the tournament was underway when the shooting took place, and the audio feed is interrupted by the sound of several gunshots.
Video game leader Electronic Arts issued a statement saying it was “aware of an incident at a sanctioned Madden Championship Series competition in Jacksonville. We are working with authorities to gather facts at this stage.”
Complexity Gaming, a professional gaming team that had a player participating in the event at the GLHF Game Bar, said on Twitter participant Grini Gjoka was grazed in the hand but was “away from the scene and safe.”
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
(Photo Courtesy of WFAA TV)
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