Tragedy has struck the eSports circuit for sports games, as a shooter entered a tournament for Madden NFL in Jacksonville and opened fire.
The moment the shooting began was captured on a stream of the tournament.
*warning disturbing video*
https://twitter.com/Ninkat_/status/1033778084166729728
The Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office is confirming multiple people are dead.
Multiple fatalities at the scene, many transported. #TheLandingMassShooting https://t.co/qBJvkaO7xT
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
Here is some more information in case you are still at the event:
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
One reported shot is Larry Legend as updated by his mother on Twitter:
My son was shot 3 times please keep him in your prayers
— Sujeil (@olarrysmom) August 26, 2018
One suspect is reported dead at the scene.
We will update this post as more information comes available.
Update (3:27pm ET): Local TV is reporting 4 dead and 11 injured at this time.
Update (3:35pm ET): The LA Times is reporting the shooter was a gamer who had lost earlier in the tournament. He targeted a few people before turning the gun on himself.
Update (3:50pm ET): EA’s official, initial response below:
This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved.
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) August 26, 2018
Update (4:35pm ET): Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has announced the scene is now secure and there are no outstanding suspects.
There have also been a couple of firsthand accounts of being shot released on Twitter:
I’m good… got hit twice. Lower body. One went through. The other was lodged
— Vtech (@VtechofMadden) August 26, 2018
I was shot in the ankle but by the grace of God I'm at the hospital and looks like I'll be ok – God Bless
— Coach Kent (@coach_kent96) August 26, 2018
Update (8:00pm ET): Larry’s mother provided an update. Great news here.
God was with these guys today pic.twitter.com/YrWlphteBT
— Sujeil (@olarrysmom) August 27, 2018
Update (8:20 PM ET): Jacksonville County Sheriff Mike Williams identified the suspect as 24-year-old David Katz, of Baltimore.
Nine of the injured victims were struck by gunfire, while two more sustained other wounds, Williams said, adding that all of them were in stable condition.
Update (10:30 PM ET): Update from the official Madden Twitter account.
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) August 27, 2018
Update (8-27 – 4:46 PM ET): From EA today.
— Electronic Arts (@EA) August 27, 2018
Update (8-27 – 5:00 PM ET): The verified GoFundMe to support the families of Eli Clayton and Taylor Robertson can be found below.
Here is the verified GoFundMe to support the families of Eli Clayton & Taylor Robertson—two gamers whose lives were taken during the Jacksonville shooting. https://t.co/YcvwiDwSI6
— GoFundMe (@gofundme) August 27, 2018
Published: Aug 27, 2018 05:00 pm