Title: Racist Attack Leaves Three Dead in Jacksonville Shooting: Swastika-Emblazoned Gunman Commits Suicide
An appalling act of racist violence unfolded in Jacksonville, Florida, as a white man opened fire on three black individuals before ultimately taking his own life. The gunman, who was masked and wielding a weapon adorned with a swastika, also left behind a series of racist writings, making it evident that his motive was rooted in hate. Here is what we know about this tragic incident that occurred in the predominantly black neighborhood of New Town:
The shooting transpired at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville on a fateful Saturday afternoon. The city, located just south of the Georgia border, is home to nearly one million residents, approximately one-third of whom are black.
It is worth noting that Jacksonville’s city council committee recently withdrew funding for the mayor’s chief of diversity and inclusion, which would have established the city’s first position of this nature.
The Dollar General store in question stands near Edward Waters University, a historically black institution with about 1,000 students. As the assailant had been spotted on the university campus by a security guard shortly before the shooting, precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the students. Although the shooter was seen donning a bullet-resistant vest and mask, authorities believe his intent was not to target the school directly. The location of the incident, the Dollar General store, is only a short distance away from Grand Park, a neighborhood comprising modest brick and cinderblock homes where many residents, primarily black, struggle with poverty.
The victims of this senseless attack have been identified as Angela Michelle Carr, 52, who was shot while in her car outside the store; store employee A.J. Laguerre, 19, who was shot while attempting to flee; and customer Jerrald Gallion, 29, who was shot upon entering the store. Thankfully, no other individuals were harmed in the incident.
The assailant, Ryan Palmeter, 21, resided in the neighboring Clay County with his parents. Palmeter’s past reveals an involvement in a domestic violence incident in 2016 that did not lead to an arrest but subsequently led to his involuntary commitment for a 72-hour mental health evaluation the following year. The two firearms used in the shooting, a Glock handgun and an AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle, were legally purchased by Palmeter earlier this year.
As the tragic events unfolded, Palmeter texted his father, instructing him to search his room and inspect his computer. Inside, his father discovered a suicide note, a will, as well as racist writings penned by his son. The family promptly alerted the authorities, but regrettably, the shooting had already commenced. Palmeter’s writings revealed a profound hatred towards black people and were addressed to his family, federal law enforcement, and at least one media outlet.
Following the shooting, Edward Waters University was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure, with students remaining in their dorm rooms to ensure their safety. It is important to note that no students or staff members were involved in the unfortunate incident.
Up to this point, President Joe Biden, who has experienced profound loss in his own life, has not yet spoken with the families of the victims. While two families have expressed their readiness to hear from him during this difficult time, one family has made it clear that they do not wish to be contacted. Understanding the unique ways in which individuals cope with profound loss, President Biden has respected their wishes and opted to give them the time they need before reaching out.
Florida State Representative Angie Nixon emphasized that the violence witnessed was driven not only by racial motivation but by deeply ingrained racist sentiments perpetuated by certain policies and rhetoric aimed at attacking the black community.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan acknowledged the tendency to dismiss inflammatory rhetoric as mere political games, stating that such events made it unequivocally clear that the loss of lives should not be trivialized.
Senior Pastor Rudolph McKissick of Jacksonville’s historic Bethel Church expressed profound heartache as the truth behind the incident unfolded, acknowledging the impact it would have on various levels.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis condemned the gunman’s decision to take his own life, deeming it a cowardly act that avoided taking responsibility for the consequences of his actions.
LaTonya Thomas, a resident of Jacksonville who was returning home on a charter bus after commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, emphasized the importance of events like these, as they underscored the significance of addressing gun violence and related issues that have become all too common.
In response to the tragedy, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that no person in the country should live in fear of hate-fueled violence. He made it clear that one of the earliest priorities of the Justice Department was to bring white supremacists to justice when they employed violence to terrorize black Americans. Today, that imperative remains, and the Justice Department remains committed to protecting everyone in the country from unlawful acts of hate.
The horrific shooting in Jacksonville leaves behind a mourning community grappling with profound loss. As investigations continue, it is imperative to address the underlying issues of racism and hate to prevent future acts of violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
