Jacksonville Police report mass shooting at ‘Madden NFL’ tournament
Details are still emerging.
Police responded to a mass shooting in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday that targeted a ‘Madden NFL’ esports tournament. On Sunday afternoon the Jacksonville Sherriff’s office issued a warning asking members of the public to stay away from the Jacksonville Landing area.
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
In an afternoon press conference the sheriff’s office said they believed there was only one suspect involved, who was killed at the scene. Police have not released details on the shooter, or how many victims were involved — but local media are reporting that four people died, and another 11 were injured in the attack.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that there were multiple fatalities earlier in the day, but did not confirm numbers. Numerous attendees being transported to area hospitals. Drini Gjoka, a professional Madden player attending the tournament tweeted that he was shot in the hand in the attack.
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
The tournament was streaming when the attack took place. Numerous shots could be heard in the background before players took cover.
Jacksonville Landing is a festival marketplace on the Jacksonville waterfront in the downtown of the city. Details are continuing to be released by police, and this story will be updated as information becomes available.