Multiple people, including one suspect, were killed in a shooting at a popular waterfront mall in Jacksonville, Florida, where a video game tournament was being held. Graphic recordings from the scene captured gunshots ringing out and the screams of terrified patrons taking cover.
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said one suspect, a white male, was killed at The Jacksonville Landing in the city’s downtown area. In a brief press conference, Williams said police had cleared the scene and were not looking for other suspects. He did not say how many people were killed or injured in the shooting.
The sheriff’s office had earlier said there were “multiple fatalities” and that many people had been transported to local hospitals. FBI agents are at the scene to assist the sheriff’s office, which is leading the investigation, a law enforcement official told CBS News.
Doctors at UF Health Jacksonville said they were treating six victims. Five were listed in good condition. Another victim, who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, was listed in critical but stable condition. Memorial Hospital said it was treating three patients, who were in stable condition
The tournament for “Madden NFL 19” players was being held at the GLHF Game Bar. Apparent gunshots can be heard in recordings from the tournament on the bar’s Twitch account, which was streaming the competition.
In a Facebook message, the bar told CBS News that all staff members and the owner were able to escape “untouched.”
Drini Gjoka, who was competing in the event, tweeted about the shooting in the immediate aftermath. “The tourney just got shot up. Im leaving and never coming back,” he wrote at 1:37 p.m. Four minutes later, he added that a bullet struck him in the thumb, and later called Sunday the “worst day of my life.”
“I will never take anything for granted ever again. Life can be cut short in a second,” he said.
There were 150 people involved in the two-day event, including players and spectators. Players were competing for a chance to play in the final round in Las Vegas.
President Trump has been briefed on the shooting, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said, adding they are monitoring the situation.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who was traveling to Jacksonville, tweeted that he offered state resources to the local law enforcement. His office said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Florida Highway Patrol were assisting in the investigation.
EA Sports said it was aware of the shooting and is working with authorities to gather information. “This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved,” the company said.
The NFL issued a statement saying it was “shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy” in Jacksonville. “We support our partners at EA Sports and will continue to monitor developments with local law enforcement.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
