Multiple Fatalities Reported After Mass Shooting at Madden Tournament in Florida

By David Boddiger | August 26, 2018 | 6:52pm

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Update, Sunday, 4:40 p.m. (see original post below): Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said in a news conference that SWAT teams have completed sweeping the Jacksonville Landing marketplace and have ended their search for additional suspects. There are “no outstanding suspects,” he said.

The lone suspected gunman, described by the sheriff only as a white male, is deceased, although the cause of death has not yet been reported. Police are still working to confirm his identity, Williams said.

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“We would encourage people not to come downtown,” he added.

On Facebook, the GLHF Game Bar said, “All GLHF staff are safe and accounted for. Please be patient during this difficult time.”

Update, Sunday, 4:08 p.m.: White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting, according to multiple media reports.

Citing first responders, WJXT’s Vic Micolucci reported on CNN that four people were killed and 11 others were injured. Sheriff Mike Williams is expected to deliver his first statement on the incident at 4:30 p.m.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Philip Levine commented on the shooting by saying, “I am horrified and I am furious. The shootings are too many to count—in our schools, neighborhoods and nightclubs. Too many lives are destroyed, while leaders take no action. It’s time for new leaders,” NBC News reported.

Candidate Gwen Graham added: “We need to end these mass shootings — and the only way to do that is to vote out the politicians complicit in this cycle of death.”

Madden game producer EA said on Twitter, “We are aware of an incident at a sanctioned Madden Championship Series competition in Jacksonville. We are working with authorities to gather facts at this stage.”

The company added: “This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved.”

Update, Sunday, 3:08 p.m.: According to the sheriff’s office, one suspect is dead at the scene. Police continue to search for other possible suspects.

Authorities also urged those hiding inside the Jacksonville Landing to call 911 and avoid running out.

Original post continues here:

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is warning people to stay away from the popular festival marketplace Jacksonville Landing after at least one gunman began shooting Sunday at a bar during a tournament of the new video game Madden NFL 19. CNN has confirmed multiple casualties, citing the sheriff’s office.

“Mass shooting at the Jacksonville Landing. Stay far away from the area. The area is not safe at this time. STAY AWAY #TheLandingMassShooting,” the sheriff’s department tweeted.

A local TV news station reported that 11 people have been shot and four are dead, although those exact numbers have not been confirmed yet by law enforcement sources. News4Jax said that “several ambulances, firefighters and police officers are on the scene and roads are being blocked off downtown near the Jacksonville Landing.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter:

The tournament was broadcast on the establishment’s Twitch channel. During the stream on Sunday, as two gamers are playing the new sports title, multiple shots can be heard off-camera.

The players eventually react to the shots, as they continue, and the video cuts off after shouts and cries can be heard among the gunfire.

(Warning: The following video contains disturbing audio of gunfire.)

A manager at a local restaurant told WJXT news anchor Vic Micolucci that “everyone is on lockdown.” The shooting occurred at the GLHF Game Bar, CNN reported.

This story is developing.