Source: four dead, as well as suspect, in shooting at Jacksonville mall
A source close to the investigation says a mass shooting during a video game tournament at a Jacksonville, Florida, riverfront mall has left four people dead.
The source says the person who opened fire died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The source spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to release information on the shooting.
It wasn’t immediately clear if the source was including the suspect in the death toll.
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said at a news conference Sunday afternoon that the suspect, a white male whose identity authorities are still seeking to confirm, had died.
He did not elaborate, but said the shooting site had since been secured.
Several other people were taken to hospitals. Sounds of the shooting were captured as the gaming tournament was being livestreamed.
In the wake of the Feb. 14 Parkland school shooting that left 17 dead, gun violence has been a major issue ahead of Tuesday’s primary election, in which voters will pick the Republican and Democratic nominees to replace outgoing Republican Gov. Rick Scott.
Former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham sent an email to supporters that said the only way to end mass shootings is to “vote out the politicians complicit in this cycle of death.”
Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine also released a statement saying, “I am horrified and I am furious” and that it’s time for new leaders.
Video game manufacturer Electronic Arts tweeted, “This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved.”