UPDATE 10:30AM Wednesday:
Chicago Pizza & Sports Grill and GLHF Game Bar owner, Cliff Comastro, has released a statement following the shooting:
“I and my staff at Chicago Pizza & Sports Grille and GLHF Game Bar are extremely shocked and saddened at the needless loss of life resulting from the senseless shooting that occurred on Sunday, August 26.
This was an isolated incident that occurred during a video gaming tournament being held at GLHF Game Bar for the EA Sports Madden NFL 19 franchise.
As we grieve with those who were impacted by this tragic incident, we would like to thank the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and all local law enforcement and first responders who acted promptly to contain the situation. Their heroic acts of bravery prevented this incident from further escalation.
When we created GLHF (Good Luck, Have Fun) Game Bar, we envisioned a place where the gaming community could gather to share in one of the pursuits that elicits pure joy.
Our hearts are broken, but together, we hope to begin the healing process as a community here in Jacksonville.”
UPDATE 1:55PM Tuesday:
• St. Johns Town Center, 4855 Town Center Blvd.
• River City Marketplace, 13141 City Station Drive
• Winston YMCA, 221 Riverside Ave.
You do not need to be a Florida Blue member to get these counseling services.
UPDATE 1:30PM Tuesday:
The law firm Morgan & Morgan has announced they will file a negligent security lawsuit in connection to this shooting. The law firm says they have multiple victims they are representing, but declined to say how many or who. Additionally, they have not yet named the defendants in the case, saying that will be made clear in the filing, which will happen later this week.
UPDATE 6:38 AM Tuesday:
A small memorial sits outside The Landing, hours before the mall and restaurants are set to reopen. A short statement from Landing management was sent just after Midnight: “We are deeply saddened at the incident and pray for everyone involved. The Jacksonville Landing is fully cooperating with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and all ongoing investigations”.
UPDATE 1:00 AM Tuesday:
EA Sports has canceled its three remaining Madden Classic qualifier events while it conducts a review of safety protocols for competitors and spectators.
"We will work with our partners and our internal teams to establish a consistent level of security at all of our competitive gaming events", according to Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts.
UPDATE 7:24 Monday:
Speaking at a dinner with Evangelical leadership, President Trump addressed the shooting. His full comment:
“I want to extend out prayers and condolences to the victims of the tragic shooting in Jacksonville, Florida. That was a terrible thing indeed. And how it happens, nobody really knows, but they’ve done an incredible job down in Jacksonville, as they always do in Florida and throughout the country. But, condolences.”
UPDATE 6:30PM Monday:
Florida Blue has opened a grief counselor support line that’s free of charge for anyone in Northeast Florida, who has been affected by the recent tragic events in Jacksonville. This is open to anyone, regardless of if you are a Florida Blue member. The 24-hour number is 1-833-848-1762.
UPDATE 5PM Monday:
UF Health Jacksonville says only one of the six people they treated remains in the hospital. That person is in good condition, following surgery.
UPDATE 3:45PM Monday:
They are thanking the community for their support, and telling anyone who wishes to contact them to email ElijahClayton818@gmail.com.
UPDATE 3:30PM Monday:
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams says they believe the suspect in this mass shooting, 24-year-old David Katz, intentionally targeted gamers in his attack, although he says they still do not have a concrete motive. Williams additionally says there is no indication that Katz was planning this attack before he carried it out Sunday.
JSO says Katz brought two firearms to the scene, but only used one. Both guns were legally purchased in Maryland this month, according to Williams and ATF.
FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Charles Spencer says the suspect’s family is cooperating with law enforcement in Baltimore.
Williams also updated the victim count to confirm ten people, not nine, had been injured as a result of gunfire. Initially, JSO reported two people had suffered non-gunshot injuries, but that is now believed to be one person. Overall, Williams says 12 people were shot- two died and ten were hurt. One other person was injured in the attack, and the gunman took his own life.
UPDATE 2:50pm Monday:
There is a verified GoFundMe established for the families of the two men killed in this attack.
UPDATE 2:45pm Monday:
The mother of one of the men who was injured in this mass shooting says he was hit three times, including in the hand. He makes a living off playing these games, but she says the doctors aren’t sure he will ever be able to use his hand the same.
Meanwhile, UF Health says they will continue to offer services- both medical and mental- to the victims.
UPDATE 2:15PM Monday:
The Jacksonville firefighters who responded to the mass shooting are speaking out about their experience. They happened to be training nearby at the time shots were fired, and quickly responded, even though the scene hadn't yet been cleared.
UPDATE 11AM Monday:
A sign outside of the Jacksonville Landing confirms the facility is closed today.
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UPDATE: 10:00am Monday:
Witnesses to the mass shooting at the Jacksonville Landing are returning to the scene Monday morning. Toshiba Sharron says he though it was a technical difficulty when the first shot rang out inside the Chicago Pizza restaurant. “After the second shot I saw the gunman, I zoomed in on the gunman, my attention went there, we put the table up as like kinda like a barricade.” Sharron says.
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UPDATE 6:09AM Monday:
Memorial Hospital is updating victim conditions and identifies
The names of these patients are as follows:
- George Amadeo II, 17, is in good condition
- David Echevarria, 28, was treated for minor injuries and released
- Alexander Madunic, 27, is in good condition after a gunshot wound to the foot
- Christopher McFarland, 31, is in good condition after a bullet graze to the head
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UPDATE 1:00AM Monday:
Victims identified by Action News Jax as Taylor Robertson and Eli Clayton. Both were from out of state.
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UPDATE 11:30PM:
This shooting happened at a sanctioned Madden video game competition. EA Sports Madden NFL is calling the shooting a “senseless act of violence”.
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UPDATE 9:50PM:
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says there is a family assistance center now open.
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UPDATE 9:30PM:
The ATF Baltimore Field Division confirms they are investigating at a location in South Baltimore, in connection to the investigation in to this mass shooting.
We’re also now learning more about the man who police say is the gunman in this incident.
FULL STORY:Who is David Katz?
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UPDATE 8:30PM:
Memorial Hospital confirms the three patients they treated are in good condition.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families impacted today, particularly those who lost a loved one from this tragic event,” said ER Medical Director Dr. Frederick Jenkins. “While we hate to see events like this occur in our community, we are committed to ensuring that our families have the care they need when they need it most.”
UF Health Jacksonville says they are treating six patients.
“UF Health Jacksonville’s Level I trauma center received six patients following the mass casualty incident at the Jacksonville Landing and physicians were able to treat and stabilize all of them immediately upon arrival. Multiple medical teams from TraumaOne and UF Health Jacksonville’s emergency department were able to respond and took part in their care. Following treatment, five of the patients were listed in good condition and one in serious condition and their progress continues to be monitored.
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UPDATE 8:17PM:
Statement from State Attorney Melissa Nelson:
“My prayers are with the families and friends of today’s innocent victims and with those who witnessed this horrific shooting. Our first responders did an excellent job in their response and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, in coordinating multiple law enforcement agencies. Though the lone shooter is dead, the State Attorney’s Office will continue to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement on this investigation and we are coordinating victim services for all those impacted by this tragedy.”
If you need services, you can contact (904) 255-2982.
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UPDATE 8PM:
Hours after the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office first alerted the public about a mass shooting at the Jacksonville Landing, Sheriff Mike Williams confirms three people are dead-- including the suspected gunman-- and at least 11 others are hurt.
Out of the 11 total, 9 were treated for actual gunshot wounds; the other injuries were said to be from fleeing the scene. All of the victims are described by JSO as being stable at this time.
Williams says JSO first started getting 911 calls at 1:34 PM on Sunday, stating people had been shot during a Madden 19 tournament event at Chicago Pizza in the Jacksonville Landing.
Within two minutes, Williams says officers were on scene and evacuating the area. The SWAT team and bomb squad were also called in and did a complete detained sweep of the Landing, as a precaution.
Williams has identified the suspected gunman as David Katz, 24, of Baltimore, Maryland. Police believe he died of a self-inflicted wound. Williams say they're partnering with agencies in Baltimore, including the FBI and ATF, who are investigating the suspect's background on that end.
JSO says they've found and impounded Katz's vehicle and are currently searching through that for any related evidence.
Police are continuing to ask anyone with information about this shooting or about the suspect-- including where he may have stayed in Jacksonville on Saturday night, to reach out to them at (904) 630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
JSO says their early investigation has revealed the gunman used at least one handgun to carry out this shooting, but they're still working with ATF on that aspect of the investigation.
At this time, Williams says no details on a possible motive are being released at this time.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says they are holding no further briefing Sunday night, but will be releasing any additional information on Twitter, @JSOPIO.
Mayor Lenny Curry also addressed the shooting at the Jacksonville Landing during this latest udpated, saying Jacksonville is mourning.
“One violent crime in our city is one too many. Tonight, we pray for the wounded and we pray for the families of those who were lost,” says Curry.
Curry also thanking first responders for the bravery they showed, saying, “Our local fire and rescue professionals rapidly responded, running into chaos to start saving lives. Local medical personnel at several hospitals responded perfectly. At terrible times, we see the best in people and today was no different.”
Curry’s office has also released the following statement:
WATCH FULL BRIEFING FROM THE JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
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UPDATE 4:45PM:
In their first press conference since the deadly incident, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office confirms there are no outstanding suspects being sought, following a mass shooting at the Jacksonville Landing.
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams confirms one suspect is dead. That suspect is described as a white male, but Williams says his identity is still being confirmed.
As for how many people are either dead or injured, JSO is not releasing any counts at this time. They will only say there are 'multiple fatalities', while there have been multiple others transported to hospitals.
JACKSONVILLE LANDING MASS SHOOTING: WHITE HOUSE, LOCAL AND STATE LEADERS REACT
A spokesperson with UF Health Jacksonville confirmed to WOKV they are treating 6 patients. One is described as being in serious condition; the other five are said to be in good condition.
Memorial Health has also confirmed to WOKV they have three victims from this shooting. All of their patients are described as being stable.
Our partner Action News Jax is reporting their sources tell them at least four people are dead and 11 others injured.
This shooting happened at the Jacksonville Landing as a sanctioned Madden Championship Series video game competition was underway.
As this investigation continues, JSO is asking anyone who saw or heard anything or may have video of that incident to contact either the sheriff's office at (904) 630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
The sheriff's office is expecting to give another briefing later Sunday evening, but has declined to give an exact time.
Police are asking everyone to stay away from downtown, due to the very large crime scene.
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INITIAL STORY: A mass shooting has been reported at the Jacksonville Landing, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
JSO says one suspect is dead at the scene. It’s unknown at this time if there are other suspects.
JSO says multiple people are dead, and many others have been transported.
A spokesperson with UF Health Jacksonville confirms they are treating 6 patients. One is described as being in serious condition; the other five are said to be in good condition.
Memorial Health has also confirmed they have three victims from this shooting. All of their patients are described as being stable.
The City of Jacksonville says Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Sheriff Mike Williams are in close contact about this incident. Florida Governor Rick Scott says he has spoken with local authorities and is also coordinating with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Additionally, the ATF says they are responding to the scene.
The Jacksonville Landing issued the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened at the incident and pray for everyone involved. The Jacksonville Landing is fully cooperating with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and all ongoing investigations.”
White House Spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the President has been briefed on this shooting and is monitoring this situation.
JSO wants anyone who is hiding in the Landing to stay sheltered, as they sweep through the building. They’re asking anyone who is hiding to call 911 and report your location, so they can come find you.
At the time of the shooting, there was a Madden Championship Series video game competition taking place at the Landing.
WOKV has continuing coverage on air, online, and on social media. Check back frequently for updates.