Two people were killed and at least nine others shot during a video game tournament at the Jacksonville Landing Sunday afternoon before the gunman killed himself, police say.
David Katz, 24, of Baltimore, Maryland, is the lone suspect in the deadly mass shooting.
He was among three dead in the Good Luck Have Fun video game room inside Chicago Pizza when police arrived. Two additional people received other injuries during the chaos.
“Please note this number may change as we learn of other victims who make have transported themselves to area hospitals,” Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said Sunday evening.
Williams said Katz used at least one handgun. It’s not been confirmed where or when he obtained the gun. Williams said the FBI is assisting in the investigation.
Sound of the shots was captured on the tournament’s live online video stream, which also showed a player with what appeared to be a laser focused on his chest moments before shots and screams began.
"We are aware of a video that's out on social media. We have that video," Williams said. "We would encourage people that have any other videos or information, please reach out to us at 855-845-TIPS."
Williams is also asking any other victims to call (904) 630-0500. He said it is believed Katz stayed in the Jacksonville area Saturday night, possibly at a hotel, and he’s asking for information if anyone knows where.
The shooting happened during a Madden 19 Southeastern qualification tournament. Madden is an NFL football video game. Winners were expected to play in a finals round in October.
Williams said 911 calls began coming in around 1:34 and officers were at the Landing within 2 minutes. In addition, firefighters from Jacksonville’s Fire Station 1 had been training across the street when people began running out of the building.
“Station 1 were treating victims before the call went out,” firefighters union President Randy Wyse tweeted. “Victims ran to them as they were doing training right next to Landing.”
Sad day because of sickness of a mind but proud of our @jaff122 who rushed in despite the danger and did what they were trained to do. JaxFFs first on scene cared for the injured and the dying with professionalism and intense dedication. Proud day also when you put it that way!
— Jax Firefighters (@jaff122) August 27, 2018
JSO hasn’t confirmed a motive for the shooting. Our partner News4Jax posted a video of Katz playing Madden.
VIDEO of 24-year-old David Katz, the Baltimore gamer believed to have been the shooter at the Jacksonville Landing. Sheriff says he killed himself. Listen to how announcers describe him. pic.twitter.com/YkiAokUBHg
— Vic Micolucci WJXT (@WJXTvic) August 27, 2018
Announcers say in the video, “David Katz keeps to himself. He’s a man of business. He’s not here for the experience or to go out this, that and the third. He’s not here to make friends. He’s all business. He’s focused.”
A woman saying she’s the mother of one the of the shooting victims tweeted about it Sunday. She shared photos of Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry visiting him as well as a photo of his bloody backpack.
The governor of Florida with my son @oLARRY2K pic.twitter.com/nP0VCLUyYY
— Sujeil (@olarrysmom) August 27, 2018
UF Health Jacksonville was treating six victims Sunday, listing five in good condition and one in serious condition. Memorial Hospital treated four victims and confirmed Sunday all victims were in good condition. One was released that night.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families impacted today, particularly those who lost a loved one from this tragic event,” said Memorial ER Medical Director Dr. Frederick Jenkins in an email Sunday.
On Monday, Memorial spokesman Pete Moberg said one of the victims was shot in the foot, and another had a bullet graze his head.
Our partner News4Jax reported Jason Lake, the founder and CEO of compLexity, a company that owns professional e-sports teams, tweeted that one of his players, 19-year-old Drini Gjoka, was shot in the thumb.
Gjoka tweeted on Sunday afternoon: "The tourney just got shot up. Im leavinng and never coming back." Then: "I am literally so lucky. The bullet hit my thumb. Worst day of my life."
As of Sunday evening, JSO had located and impounded the suspect’s vehicle near the Landing.
Before Gov. Scott’s visit Sunday he said President Donald Trump is offering federal resources.
Just spoke with @POTUS regarding the shooting at the Jacksonville Landing. He offered any federal resources needed to respond. FDLE and the Florida Highway Patrol are currently assisting local law enforcement.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) August 26, 2018
JSO had its Family Assistance Unit up and running Sunday evening.
“If you have a loved one that you have believed to be at that event and you have not heard from them please call us again at (904) 630-0500,” Williams said.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry made a statement Sunday and said Jacksonville is mourning and sent prayers to the victims and their families.
“We have face an occurrence that is all too common that will continue us to do the hard work of public safety to make sure that people are safe,” Curry said. “One violent crime in our city is one too many.”
This is the second shooting in Jacksonville at a public event in a single weekend. On Friday night, three were shot and one died just after a Raines High School football game.
And it’s the second shooting near the Jacksonville Landing during a public event within the past year.
Lindsey Kilbride can be reached at lkilbride@wjct.org, 904-358-6359 or on Twitter at@lindskilbride.
