Update: The shooter is confirmed to be 24 year old David Katz who lost a match prior to the shooting. The victims, Taylor Robertson and Eli Clayton, were killed on the scene during the attack. All other victims are reported to be in stable condition.
27 year old Taylor “SpotMePlzzz” Robertson was a major league gamer, bringing in more than $80,000 during his professional gaming career. He was the winner of the Madden 17 Classic and was on his way to compete for the Madden 19 Classic.
Eli “true” Clayton was only 22 years old. He was passionate about gaming and was “consistently one of the best in competitive Madden” according to his profile on EA’s website. He brought in more than $50,000 of earnings throughout his career and was in the middle of a game when the tragedy struck.
Our hearts go out to all the victims of the senseless attack including Eli Clayton’s and Taylor Robertson’s families and friends.
Original: A mass shooting is currently active in Jacksonville, Florida, where there are 3 confirmed reports of fatalities and 11 wounded.
The shooting took place at the GLHF Game Bar in the Jacksonville Landing during the Madden 19 Championship Series Tournament. The LA Times spoke to Steven “Steveyj” Javaruski, one of the competitors in today’s tournament regarding the tragedy. In speaking with him over Twitter, Javaruski mentions that the shooter “targeted a few people” and shot at least five victims before ending his own life.
Competitive gamer Drini Gjoka, who was in attendance, reports that a bullet hit his thumb during the competition. Player Chris McFarland reports that he okay, but was brought to the hospital due to a bullet grazing his head. Timothy “oLarry” Anselimo is reported to have been shot at least three times by the suspect and is in care according to the victim’s mother.
“We are aware of an incident at a sanctioned Madden Championship Series competition in Jacksonville. We are working with authorities to gather facts at this stage,” EA said in a tweet. “This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved.”
The Jacksonville Police have confirmed that a press conference is scheduled to go live later tonight, but the timing has yet to be announced.
We will keep you informed on the news as it rolls in.
Source: JAX Police, News4Jax
