Three people are dead and 11 are injured after a shooting at the Jacksonville Landing Sunday afternoon, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).
The shooting took place during a Madden 19 videogame tournament held at a Chicago Pizza restaurant in the popular riverfront area of downtown Jacksonville. JSO Sheriff Mike Williams identified the lone suspect as David Katz, 24, of Baltimore.
Williams said Katz is one of the three deceased after he took his own life. The other two deceased have not yet been identified. Nine additional victims, said Williams, were injured by gunshot wounds, while two others were injured fleeing the scene. All are in stable condition, according to JSO.
Katz, who came to Jacksonville for the videogame tournament, used at least one handgun to commit this act, said Williams. The motive of the incident is unknown at this time. JSO is working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),the FBI and other federal, state and local agencies during this investigation.
Authorities have located and impounded the suspect’s vehicle and a search of the car is pending. The sheriff said Katz stayed somewhere in Jacksonville on Saturday night and is asking that any information pertaining to his stay be shared with JSO.
Williams said 911 calls regarding the incident started coming in at 1:34 p.m., and JSO responded two minutes later at 1:36. As officers responded and patrol units worked to evacuate the area, businesses in the Landing went on lockdown. Williams said SWAT and bomb teams conducted a detailed sweep of the area. As of now, Williams said the search of the Landing has concluded. JSO is asking any people with information about the incident to share it with them accordingly.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said the city is in a state of mourning.
“We have faced an occurrence that is all too common and will require us to continue to do the hard work of public safety to make sure the people are safe,” he said. “Tonight, we pray for the wounded. We pray for the families of those who were lost. … Pray for Jacksonville as we deal with this senseless tragedy.”
