CNN is reporting that a gunman has opened fire at a Madden gaming event in Jacksonville, Florida, with multiple fatalities reported.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s department posted a notification on Twitter this afternoon, saying that the shooting had taken place at Jacksonville Landing, a shopping mall in the city, and warned people to stay away while they secured the scene. The sheriff’s office confirmed that there were “multiple fatalities,” and that one suspect has been killed.
At 4:30PM ET, Jacksonville Sheriff deputy Mike Williams provided an update, saying that they had cleared the scene, and confirmed that a single, white male shooter was dead at the scene, but didn’t reveal his identity. They indicated that there were no additional suspects. He also confirmed that there were multiple people who were killed on the scene, and that there were additional victims who were transported to local hospitals. He says that they will release a count later today.
The event was being live-streamed, and in the video, several gunshots and screams can be heard before the video stops. Williams confirmed that his office had the video, and encouraged anyone with additional footage to turn it over to authorities. He also says that his office is working with witnesses to figure out how the incident played out.
Mass shooting at the Jacksonville Landing. Stay far away from the area. The area is not safe at this time. STAY AWAY #TheLandingMassShooting
— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
Multiple fatalities at the scene, many transported. #TheLandingMassShooting https://t.co/qBJvkaO7xT
— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
One suspect is dead at the scene, unknown at this time if we have a second suspect. Searches are being conducted. https://t.co/qBJvkaO7xT
— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
The event was a qualifying match for the Madden 19 Tournament at the GLHF Game Bar, according to one of the teams that was participating. According to EA, the event was one of four qualifiers that would advance teams to a Las Vegas event in October.
Drini Gjoka, a member of the compLexity team, reported that he had been shot in the thumb. Another, Steven Javaruski, reported that police escorted him out of the building.
The tourney just got shot up. Im leavinng and never coming back
— Drini Gjoka (@YoungDrini) August 26, 2018
I am literally so lucky. The bullet hit my thumb
— Drini Gjoka (@YoungDrini) August 26, 2018
On Twitter, EA said that 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.”
This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved.
— Electronic Arts (@EA) August 26, 2018
Update, August 26th 2018, 4:40PM ET. This story has been updated to reflect information from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.