A white man wearing a mask and firing a weapon emblazoned with a swastika gunned down three Black people Saturday in a racist attack in Jacksonville, Florida. The shooter, who had also posted racist writings, then killed himself.
WHERE AND WHEN DID THE SHOOTING TAKE PLACE?
A man shot and killed four people at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday afternoon. The store is located in a predominantly Black neighborhood, and the victims were all Black. The suspect was seen putting on a bullet-resistant vest and mask before the shootings, but it is unclear why he targeted the store or the victims. The suspect is still at large. The shooting took place just days after a city council committee pulled funding for the mayor’s chief of diversity and inclusion. This is the first time the city would have had such a position. The shooting has renewed calls for more resources to be devoted to addressing racial inequality in Jacksonville.
The Dollar General store is located in Grand Park, a Jacksonville neighborhood of modest brick and cinderblock homes. Many residents of the largely Black neighborhood struggle with poverty. Darlene Neal, who has lived there for three decades, said the shooting was “devastating” for the community.
WHO ARE THE VICTIMS?
Angela Michelle Carr, 52, was shot in her car outside the Dollar General; store employee A.J. Laguerre, 19, was shot as he tried to flee; while customer Jerrald Gallion, 29, was shot as he entered the store. No one else was injured.
WHO WAS THE SHOOTER?
Ryan Palmeter, a 21-year-old white man from Clay County, Florida, shot and killed three Black people in a racially motivated attack at a Dollar General store on Saturday.Palmeter had a history of mental health problems and had been involuntarily committed for a 72-hour evaluation in 2017. He purchased the two guns he used in the shooting legally earlier this year.
WHAT MOTIVATED THE ATTACK?
Racism. During the attack, Palmeter texted his father and told him to break into his room and check his computer. There, the father found a suicide note, a will and racist writings from his son. The family notified authorities, but by then the shooting had already begun, the sheriff said. Officials say there were writings to his family, federal law enforcement and at least one media outlet. Sheriff Waters said that the shooter made clear in his writings that he hated Black people.
THE ROOTS OF WHITE SUPREMACY
White supremacy is the belief that white people are superior to other races. It has its roots in European colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. White supremacy has been used to justify slavery, segregation, and other forms of discrimination. It is still a problem today, as evidenced by the recent mass shootings motivated by white supremacy.
IN THE WAKE OF ATTACK
The attack in Jacksonville has sparked a wave of protests and calls for action against white supremacy. On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered in Jacksonville to remember the victims and to demand justice. The protesters also called for an end to racism and discrimination.Similar protests have been held in other cities across the United States.
The attack has also led to calls for increased security measures in public places. In Jacksonville, the mayor has ordered a review of security at all city buildings.
The attack in Jacksonville is a tragedy, but it is also an opportunity to fight against racism and hate. The protests and calls for action are a sign that people are not going to tolerate this kind of violence.
We must all work together to create a more just and equitable society, where everyone is safe and respected.
