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Two people were killed and 11 others injured after a gunman opened fire at a mall in Jacksonville, Fla. Sunday during a live video game tournament for the football video game, Madden.
Two gamers, Taylor Robertson, 27, and Eli Clayton, 22, were shot and killed, according to friends, family, and members of the gaming community. The gunman, identified by Jacksonville Police as David Katz of Baltimore, took his own life. Like other mass shootings in recent years, this horrific event has produced many different reactions, debates, and even nonsensical Twitter fights. Here’s what Twitter user’s had to say about Sunday’s tragedy in Jacksonville.
The tourney just got shot up. Im leavinng and never coming back
— Drini Gjoka (@YoungDrini) August 26, 2018
Outrage at media for showing mass shooters
While many people are angry with the shooter and his actions, other’s have also criticized the media for showing the shooter. As a Vox article points out, multiple studies show it can actually be harmful to show mass shooters, as it gives the notoriety/fame, and could inspire others.
i don’t want to know the name of the Jacksonville shooter.
i don’t want to see pictures or videos of the Jacksonville shooter.
i don’t want to know the name of the Jacksonville shooter.
i don’t want to see pictures or videos of the Jacksonville shooter. #NoNotoriety— saida #BLM (@saida_dahir) August 26, 2018
If you see any outlet report the name of the shooter or show their face immediately call them and demand they edit the name and face out and if they refuse simply unsubscribe and unfollow. #NoNotoriety
— David Hogg (@davidhogg111) August 26, 2018
This story out of Jacksonville is breaking my heart.
Instead of sharing the shooter's name and giving them the attention that they want, unite. Show the world that gaming is for coming together, having fun, and sharing our passion.
— littlesiha (@littlesiha) August 26, 2018
Call for more gun control
People are taking to Twitter to yet again advocate for stricter gun control laws and some are blaming the National Rifle Association (NRA) for allowing this shooter (and other mass shooters in the past) to have access to guns. In Washington D.C., demonstrations are being planned to protest the NRA, in light of what happened in Jacksonville.
City officials in #Jacksonville say we need to pray, in response to two shootings in 3 days. Coming from someone who believes in God; literally FUCK OFF AND ENACT GUN CONTROL #JacksonvilleLandingShooting
— christian (@MisterWoofers) August 27, 2018
a white man in jacksonville shot and killed 2 people, 7 injured, at a video game tournament in jacksonville. he easily brought a gun into the building, and then shot people because he lost his video game. there are still people who believe gun control is not needed.
— kya jade (@softsadsatan) August 26, 2018
In light of Jacksonville, on Tuesday @ noon we are sitting in at the offices of senators that have taken money from the NRA. We are TIRED of the BS. The only way to take down the NRA is to keep the pressure high.
— Rebecca Heimbrock ?? (@radishrebecca) August 26, 2018
Outrage at Trump’s Non-response
President Donald Trump’s silence on this tragedy has upset many.
There was a shooting rampage in the heart of a major American city today, a war hero/senator/presidential candidate died yesterday and the president is tweeting….. https://t.co/Idac2195jX
— Mark Berman (@markberman) August 27, 2018
There was a mass shooting in Jacksonville, Fl and our president has since tweeted about: tiger woods, an NFL player, and his own approval rating. What a jokeeee
— syddo (@syd_walls) August 27, 2018
Donald Trump is tweeting about his “approval” ratings while young people are fighting for their lives after being shot at a video game tournament and families are grieving the loss of their loved ones.
He couldn’t care less about the American people. A despicable human being.
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) August 27, 2018
While many conversations on Twitter and other social media sites regarding controversial topics like mass shootings will often go south, there was luckily some positive, civil discourse that came from this horrific event.
Please go contribute to this gofundme raising money for the victims of yesterday’s senseless shooting in Jacksonville, FL. Thank you all. https://t.co/3ANMEUUus1
— Cameron Kasky (@cameron_kasky) August 27, 2018