The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) said the shooting was driven by racial animosity, with the assailant intentionally targeting Black individuals. The perpetrator, a White man in his twenties, turned the gun on himself following the attack. He left behind three manifestos that detailed his abhorrent ideology of hatred and outlined his motive for the assault.
The victims of this tragedy, consisting of two men and one woman, were all members of the Black community. The shooter had been residing with his parents in Clay County, Florida, just south of Jacksonville.
Prior to the attack, the shooter had messaged his father, instructing him to examine his computer. The father discovered documents that JSO described as manifestos, and promptly contacted the authorities. Regrettably, by the time the authorities were alerted to the contents of these manifestos, the gunman had already initiated the assault at the Dollar General store.
The shooting incident transpired shortly after 1 p.m. Eastern Time, in close proximity to Edward Waters University, a historically Black institution. Students living on campus were advised to remain in their residence halls as a precaution. The assailant had been spotted on the university campus before proceeding to the Dollar General store. Fortunately, no individuals were harmed on the university premises.
The JSO is still investigating the shooting, but they believe it was an isolated incident. They are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward. (ILKHA)