The shooting took place at a video game tournament in which two men plus the gunman were left dead.
A recent shooting saw three men lose their lives on Sunday, August 26, 2018 after a gunman opened fire at a gaming tournament in a Jacksonville, Florida, restaurant. Victims Taylor Robertson, 28, and Elijah Clayton, 22, were killed. The shooter then took his own life.
The gunman, aged 24 out of Baltimore, Maryland, was a competitive gamer and winner of last year’s Madden 17 Bills Championship. He was a student at the University of Maryland but was not enrolled as of August 26, 2018. He had received previous treatment for mental illness and psychological issues resembling schizophrenia that impeded upon his graduating from high school. A statement from a judge mentioned he would play video games until 4 a.m. and would go days without showering.
According to Sheriff Mike Williams, the shooter specifically targeted the victims. Robertson and Clayton were two of the gamers competing. Upon entering the Good Luck Have Fun Game Bar, the suspect moved past patrons in the crowded restaurant and into the tournament area and then opened fire shortly thereafter. Additionally, a victim shot in the foot stated the gunman was upset he had lost a game earlier in the day and it may have had some influence on his actions.
The tournament was being held as a qualifier for EA Sports Madden Classic. Madden Classic is part of EA Sports Madden Championship Series in which qualifiers are held to determine final competitors. The tournament provides hefty prize money for top players, making competition fierce. This year’s top spot awards a prize of $25,000. Robertson made decent money at gaming and was saving his earnings to return to college. This is the first mass shooting to occur at a video gaming tournament. EA has stated it cancelled the remaining qualifier tournaments and is reevaluating security protocols for future events.
A lawsuit has been filed against EA and the GLHF Game Bar by one of the competitors who was injured. The suit alleges inadequate security protocols and includes statements regarding lack of a city permit for holding the tournament. The venue was overcrowded and not equipped to handle the number of people who were present at the time.
EA announced it is donating $1 million to victims and families and will set up a fund for others to show their support and have the opportunity to donate. The video game publisher is also planning on hosting a livestream on September 6, 2018, and has announced details will soon be available on their website. Information for the Jacksonville Tribute fund can also be found on their website.
