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26th Aug 2018

Suspect dead in Madden tournament shooting streamed on Twitch, police confirm

Jacksonville sheriff's office say the only suspect is a white male who they are working to identify

Oli Dugmore

David Katz, Jacksonville shooting screenshot

Jacksonville sheriff’s office say the only suspect is a white male who they are working to identify

Updated: Monday August 27 08:51

Three people including the only suspect have been killed in a mass shooting at a gaming tournament in Jacksonville, Florida.

Nine other people have suffered gunshot wounds but all are in a stable condition, according to authorities.

A “video gamer” killed two at a Chicago Pizza in Jacksonville Landing, where a Madden NFL tournament was being streamed on Twitch.

24-year-old David Katz is understood to have taken part in the tournament and carried out the attack with at least one handgun, according to Jacksonville sheriff Mike Willliams.

Police said they had finished “clearing the landing” of witnesses and victims and that a SWAT had methodically searched the area.

There is one suspect in the case, a white male dead at the scene, that police are working to identify. They are still advising members of the public to stay away from the area.

Sheriff Mike Williams said: “We have finished clearing the landing of potential witnesses and victims. We have no outstanding suspects at this time.

“We have one suspect in this case, he is deceased at the scene at this point. He is a white male, we are working to find out his identity. We have deceased victims

“We are aware of a video on social media, we have that video.

“The shooting took place in the landing, inside one of the restaurants.

“We have the scene secure.

“The Mayor and I will come forward with more information in the coming hours.”

19-year-old Drini Gjoka was taking part in the tournament. He tweeted: “The tourney just got shot up. I’m leaving and never coming back.

“I am literally so lucky. The bullet hit my thumb.”

The makers of Madden, EA Sports said they were aware of the incident, releasing the following statement: “This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved.”

The tournament was taking place at the GLHF Game Bar of a Chicago Pizza. GLHF have confirmed that all of their staff are safe.

In a statement, the Jacksonville Landing said: “We are deeply saddened at the incident and pray for everyone involved.

“The Jacksonville Landing is fully cooperating with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and all ongoing investigations.”

https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleLanding/posts/10156640966651952:0

This is the third mass shooting in Florida in the last two years. 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz faces 17 counts of premeditated murder and 17 counts of attempted murder after a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida in February 2018.

Two years ago Omar Mateen killed 49 people at Pulse nightclub, Orlando.