A “Madden NFL 19” video game tournament was the scene of a mass shooting Sunday. Multiple people were killed and more injured when a single gunman opened fire inside a Jacksonville, Florida mall.
Sheriff Mike Williams confirmed at a press briefing following the shooting, which occurred at the Jacksonville Landing mall, that there were multiple “deceased victims at the scene.” He said the perpetrator was a yet-unidentified white male, who he said was deceased. Williams said there were no outstanding suspects.
The shooting was an attack on a video football tournament, which was held in a gaming bar that shares space with a pizzeria. Viewers could watch the games online and see the players.
“We are finding many people hiding in locked areas at The Landing. We ask you to stay calm, stay where you are hiding,” the sheriff’s office said on Twitter. “SWAT is doing a methodical search inside The Landing. We will get to you. Please don’t come running out.”
Police barricaded a three-block radius around the mall. Officers and Coast Guard boats patrolled the nearby river. Many ambulances could be seen in the area, but the mall area appeared empty of all but law enforcement. Police also took up positions on a bridge overlooking the river.
The Jacksonville Landing, in the heart of the city’s downtown, also hosts concerts and other entertainment and was the site of Donald Trump rally in October 2015 early in his campaign for the White House.
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
This is the ONLY official place for information. Twitter will be updated as information permits. All video briefings will be on our Facebook, LIVE, nothing is scheduled. #JSO https://t.co/qBJvkaww9j
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
We can’t stress enough to stay away. Many blocks away. https://t.co/qBJvkaO7xT
— 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
We are finding many people hiding in locked areas at The Landing. 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. #TheLandingMassShooting https://t.co/qBJvkaO7xT
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
**IMPORTANT** If you are hiding in The Landing. Call 911 so we can get to you. #TheLandingMassShooting https://t.co/qBJvkaO7xT
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
This post has been updated.
