The Brief: A mass shooting occurred at a Madden NFL video game tournament in Jacksonville, FL, killing two people and injuring more.
DEEP DIVE
On August 26, 2018, during a Madden NFL tournament at a pizzeria in Jacksonville, Florida, a gunman opened fire. He killed two people and injured 11 more. As the event was live streamed on Twitch, there is footage which can be found online. The footage is highly disturbing and cuts out about 30 seconds after the shooting begins.
Participants in the tournament Eli Clayton and Taylor Robertson were killed. Eli Clayton, a 22 year-old former high school football player from Woodland Hills, CA, was known by his gaming name Trueboy or True. Taylor Robertson was 27 years-old, a husband and father from Ballard, West Virginia, whose gaming name was Spotmeplzzz.
Crying and in so much pain. Prayers to the families of Trueboy and Spotme. All over a videogame. Two of our brothers are gone man and its so disturbing. One of the most tragic days ive experienced. This community is like family. Broken.
— PROBLEM (@ProblemWright) August 26, 2018
The shooter, who has been identified as David Katz, was killed by police. He was a Madden player who had participated in competitions in the past.
In the wake of the shooting members of gaming and streaming communities have expressed their solidarity and mourning. They have asked for increased security at future gaming events. Madden player Justin Saline created a Go Fund Me to raise money for the victims of the shooting.
Still doesn’t feel real. Saw a lot of things today I wish I hadn’t seen. But I also saw a community of people rally around each other and a massive amount of support from friends and family to check on everyone. I’m thankful for everyone of you guys in the community.I love y’all
— V-tech (@maddenvtech) August 27, 2018
Young gun control activist David Hogg and survivor of the Parkland shooting tweeted urging Americans to take action:
Do not let your anger get the best of you turn your pain into action.
Do not engage the hate.
Engage the change.
-Register
-Educate
-VOTE-work on congressional campaigns
-volunteer to register voters
-canvas
-phone bank
-bring friends to the pollsWIN
— David Hogg (@davidhogg111) August 26, 2018