Multiple people are dead after a mass shooting at an entertainment complex hosting a video game tournament in Jacksonville, Florida, authorities said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department confirmed news of the shooting at Jacksonville Landing, a mall and event space, via Twitter just after 2 p.m. Sunday. Officials said that there were “multiple fatalities” with “many” transported.” One suspect in the shooting is confirmed dead, the Sheriff’s office tweeted.
The shooting “appears to have occurred inside a pizza restaurant that includes a bar dedicated to video games and other forms of gaming,” NBC News is reporting. The bar was hosting a Madden 19 Southeastern Qualifier Tournament at the time, according to NBC. Electronic Arts, the company that makes the popular football video game, confirmed that it is “aware of an incident at a sanctioned Madden Championship Series competition in Jacksonville.”
“This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved,” the company tweeted.
Searches are continuing, the sheriff’s department said, adding that it is unclear whether there was a second shooter. It urged people sheltering in place at the Landing to “stay calm, stay where you are hiding” and wait for authorities to arrive. Officials urged others to “stay far away from the area.”
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the president has been briefed on the incident and is monitoring the situation. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio responded on Twitter, reiterating that the “situation still unfolding, law enforcement is asking everyone to avoid the area.”
“Horrifying news from #Jacksonville this afternoon,” the Florida Republican tweeted. “Have spoken to local authorities & am still awaiting more information on this shooting.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Photo Credit: Laura Heald/AP
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Source: NBC San Diego
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