New York Daily News

Gamer shooting lawsuit

- BY NANCY DILLON

A lawsuit claiming that lax security led to Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at the Madden NFL video game tournament will be filed this week, a Florida law firm said Tuesday.

“We have been retained by a victim of the #Jacksonvil­le Landing gaming tournament shooting. We are of the opinion the shooting could have, and should have, been prevented. Prayers to all those impacted by this senseless tragedy,” lawyer Matt Morgan said in a Twitter post.

At a news conference Tuesday, Morgan declined to identify the victim or say whom the lawsuit will name as the defendants.

He said the intention is to “hold all responsibl­e entities accountabl­e.”

“It seems like every time we turn on the news, there’s another reporting of another mass shooting,” Morgan said during the press event streamed on Facebook. “This is not a time in America for barebones security, or even worse, no security at all.”

He said business owners and event organizers have a duty to provide the “highest level” of security possible.

“Business as usual, on the security front, will no longer be tolerated by Americans,” he said. “We are going to demand more.”

He said his firm, Morgan & Morgan, represents multiple people harmed by the tragedy, so subsequent suits are expected.

The first complaint is expected to be filed in Florida state court.

The horrific shooting unfolded Sunday afternoon during a qualifying tournament for this year’s Madden Classic championsh­ip.

The rampage claimed the lives of pro gamers Elijah (Trueboy) Clayton, 22, and Taylor (SpotMePlzz­z) Robertson, 27. At least 10 other people were injured in the spasm of violence at the GLHF Game Bar at the Jacksonvil­le Landing.

The event, organized by gaming giant Electronic Arts, canceled the remaining qualifying tournament­s.

“We have made a decision to cancel our three remaining Madden Classic qualifier events while we run a comprehens­ive review of safety protocols for competitor­s and spectators,” Wilson said.

Police identified the shooter as 24-year-old David Katz of Baltimore (inset).

Officials said Katz specifical­ly targeted fellow gamers attending the tournament Sunday before killing himself.

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