Gaming is huge in the IT service and support community. In fact, we in our computer service shop play video games, whether by console or social media. Furthermore, they have video game contest all over the country. But yesterday, senseless tragedy hit.
So this weekend, gamers from all the country went to Jacksonville, FL. The game they played was EA Sports’ Madden NFL 19. It took place at gaming bar GLHF Gaming Bar at downtown mall Jacksonville Landing. The goal of the gamers was to win so they could advance to Las Vegas and play for big money. However, almost as soon as the tournament started, shots started firing.
According to gamers and fans, at first they thought it was balloons popping or firecrackers. Then they realized it was actual gunfire. The tournament ended abruptly. People then ran for their lives, even pushing and trampling each other to get to safety. One person huddled in the bathroom for 10 minutes, then ran to safety. One gamer sprained his ankle while trying to escape. Another got shot in the thumb. At first, he complained, but when he realized the carnage around him, he said he’s lucky to be alive. That carnage included two deaths and eleven injuries of innocent people.
The shooting suspect is also a gamer. In fact, EA Sports records show he was a Madden championship winner in 2017. The suspect is 24-year-old David Katz, who came to Jacksonville from Baltimore. Before he could be brought to justice, Katz ended his own life by shooting himself. It’s a tragic thing when people can’t even go to something as innocent as a gaming event without fear or shootings and terror. I myself visited Jacksonville Landing several times, even spent a New Years Eve there. So this one hits a little close to home. Our thoughts and prayers go to the victims and families of this video game contest that turned into yet another mass shooting tragedy. When is it ever going to end?