Gunman kills at game event
Investigation continues after gunman shoots up tournament
A gunman opened fire at an online video game tournament as it was being livestreamed from a Florida mall, killing two people and then fatally shooting himself.
A GUNMAN opened fire at an online video game tournament as it was being livestreamed from a Florida mall, killing two people and then fatally shooting himself in a rampage that wounded 11 others, authorities said.
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said authorities believe 24-year-old David Katz, of Baltimore, carried out the attack using at least one handgun at the Jacksonville Landing, a collection of restaurants and shops along the St Johns River on Sunday.
Mr Williams said the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot, adding final confirmation of the suspect’s identity was pending as the FBI in Baltimore aided in the investigation.
Last night heavily armed agents entered a Baltimore townhouse, the home of the father of the suspect.
An FBI spokesman, Dave Fitz, confirmed agents had gone to the upscale townhouse home. But he did not immediately release any other specifics, citing an ongoing investigation.
Katz was in Jacksonville for the “Madden NFL 19” video game tournament, authorities said. The game’s maker, EA Sports, lists a David Katz as a 2017 championship winner.
The competition was held in a gaming bar that shares space with a pizzeria. Viewers could watch the games online and see the players.
Investigators were looking into an online video that appeared to capture the scene right before the shooting began, Mr Williams said.
A red dot that appears to be a laser pointer is visible on the chest of a player seconds before the first of about a dozen gunshots rings out.
Marquis Williams, 28, and his girlfriend, Taylor Poindexter, 26, were ordering pizza at the bar when they heard the first shot around 1.30pm.
“Initially we thought it was a balloon popping, but there weren’t any balloons in the room,” said Williams, who had taken part in the tournament. “Then we heard repeat shots and we took off running.”
He added: “The first shot, everybody just turned and looked.
“After the second, third and fourth shots, everybody took off and ran for the exits.”