Update: The suspect has allegedly been identified as David Katz
Jacksonville's Sheriff's office have confirmed four people are dead after a mass shooting at GLHF Game Bar in Jacksonville, FL, and many more wounded. The game bar was hosting a tournament for the recently released Madden NFL 19 as the shooter opened fire.
CompLexity Gaming had a member of their team, Drini Gjoka, at the event. Although he was grazed by a bullet in the hand, he is now away from the scene and safe.
Kotaku reported that the police confirmed that the shooting happened, but were unable to obtain any additional information. The name of the suspect and motive are still pieces information that have not been made public as well, but the Sheriff's Depertment confirmed that the unnamed suspect was dead at the scene, but there is potentially a second shooter. In a Twitch stream of the tournement (which we are not linking here currently), dozens of shots can be heard in the background that was caught live at the time of the shooting. Authorities have also requested that people steer clear of this area for the time being.
One suspect is dead at the scene, unknown at this time if we have a second suspect. Searches are being conducted. https://t.co/qBJvkaO7xT
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
Noble esports team member Steven “Steveyj” Javaruski is quoted by the Los Angeles Times as saying that the shooter was someone that competed in the tournament and lost. He "targeted a few people", shot at least five before killing himself. Javaruski watched the gunman kill two or three competitors "that I saw".
Professional NBA 2K League player for Bucks Gaming Timothy "oLARRY" Anselimo was among those shot. According to his mother on Twitter, he was shot three times, but no other details have been revealed.
My son was shot 3 times please keep him in your prayers
— Sujeil (@olarrysmom) August 26, 2018
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office confirmed on Twitter that a media staging area has been set up at the Wells Fargo building for official announcements on this event, but no time has currently been set.
Media staging area is at the Wells Fargo building located at 1 Independent Drive, Jacksonville. No time has been announced. https://t.co/qBJvkaO7xT
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018
EA has now officially made a statement on Twitter about the incident.
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.
— Electronic Arts (@EA) August 26, 2018
This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved.
— Electronic Arts (@EA) August 26, 2018
