3 Dead, Including Gunman, in Shooting at Florida Gaming Contest

VOA News

Florida authorities say three people, including the gunman, are dead after a mass shooting at a mall in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

Earlier media reports put the death toll at four, but Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said those reports were incorrect.

Nine other people suffered gunshot wounds in the shooting, Williams said, including two who «self-transported themselves to local hospitals.» Williams said all the gunshot victims treated at hospitals are in stable conditions. Two others were also injured as they attempted to flee the gunfire.

Williams said the lone shooter is believed to be a 24-year-old white male from Baltimore named David Katz, and that the suspect took his own life. Williams did not provide any details on a motive for the shooting, but said more information about Katz may be released in the next few hours.

Katz used at least one handgun in the attack, according to Williams.

The shooting took place during an online gaming tournament at a restaurant and sports bar where contestants competed playing «Madden NFL 19.» A live feed from the tournament was underway when the shooting took place. Williams said officials have at least one video that shows at least the beginning of the attack.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said he had promised Mayor Lenny Curry and other officials in Jacksonville any state support they might need. He also said President Donald Trump had called and offered any federal help the state may need following the shooting.

Jacksonville is about 480 kilometers north of Parkland, where a gunman killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February.