A.G. Gancarski
A triple shooting in Jacksonville at a football game between Lee and Raines High Schools left one dead, two wounded, and brought forth lamentations of the violence that seem all too familiar.
With the amount of people there, we should have many witnesses.
If you heard chatter, observed anything, please contact JSO at 904-630-0500 or email [email protected]. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a possible reward, call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. https://t.co/9NQNmWW7d1
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 25, 2018
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum was the first candidate for Governor to address the violence Saturday morning.
Gillum said that the “shooting at Raines High School is another senseless tragedy in this countless, unacceptable gun violence epidemic.
“I’m deeply saddened that the beginning of this school year has begun under a cloud of violence, and we must take smart, common-sense measures to keep our children safe. As Governor, I’ll work directly with our school districts to ensure they have the support they need,” Gillum added.
Soon thereafter, Gwen Graham and Philip Levine responded to a video of a grieving survivor, calling for gun law reform.
.@FLGovScott, @AdamPutnam, @RonDeSantisFL: Listen to the sobs and screams of this girl.
Listen, then tell her and her family why you don’t support universal background checks or a ban on assault weapons.
As governor, I will pass commonsense gun safety. https://t.co/wRqQRfimaf
— Gwen Graham (@GwenGraham) August 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/MayorLevine/status/1033376261379420160
Former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown (a candidate in the Democratic primary in Florida’s 5th Congressional District, of which Raines is a part) likewise had a response, rendered via Twitter.
Last night, I went to the Raines vs. Lee football game. I am deeply saddened by what happened. My prayers go out to the families harmed.
— Alvin Brown (@Alvin4Congress) August 25, 2018
We must work together to #EndGunViolence, especially in our schools. We need to provide better opportunities, so our children don’t go down a path of violence.
— Alvin Brown (@Alvin4Congress) August 25, 2018
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, Brown’s opponent, likewise had a response.
These shootings are occurring all too frequently. I pray for the families who are grasping to make sense of this violation of the rhythm of life w/broken hearts. We must come together as a community to make sure this type of absurd violence ends now! #Jaxhttps://t.co/FvOrRDRbbB
— US Rep. Al Lawson Jr (@RepAlLawsonJr) August 25, 2018
State Sen. Audrey Gibson, the next leader of the party in the Senate, likewise offered a statement to television media Saturday.
Statement on deadly triple shooting at #Raines from Senator Audrey Gibson. (@SenAudrey2eet) @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews #Florida #Jacksonville pic.twitter.com/muxVveNCu4
— Tenikka Smith Hughes (@TenikkaANjax) August 25, 2018
One response — that from Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry — was late in coming, as Councilman Garrett Dennis observed.
Football is Family…..in San Marco. Where are you Mayor @lennycurry? Oh yeah, it’s game day. It’s not feeling like #1City1Jax. @JSOPIO @NateMonroeTU @TUmarkwoods @AGGancarski @kingforJAX @ChrisHongTU @jeguns @Siottis22 @NewsShelby @RussellANjax @joepepp23
— Member of the Lot J 7 (@GarrettDennis_1) August 25, 2018
But Curry did put out a statement in the early afternoon, stressing that “we must redouble our commitment to showing young people that crime and violence is not the path.”
“For those who do not understand that fact,” he said, “I will continue my support for law enforcement personal and programs that ensure that perpetrators of crime pay the full force of the criminal justice system.”
Curry ran on a public safety platform three years ago, and attributes the unabated murder rate increase to former Mayor Brown cutting police positions earlier this decade.
Dennis’ trolling Tweet seems to be a response to this sentimental reflection from the Republican Mayor.
1st day in full pads, 1st day of full hitting for my 8th grader. 1st time in 5 years I not w him. No dad pushing him, no pictures.Closed practices as they should be. It’s bitter sweet. Time-marches on. Dads, Enjoy & absorb it while your in it. Don’t miss it. #FootballisFamily
— Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) August 24, 2018
2 comments
Frankie M.
August 25, 2018 at 11:29 am
It’s come full circle.
Frankie M.
August 25, 2018 at 10:02 pm
We need more good guys with guns. 50+ is clearly not enough. Look for any games on the northside to be played at 10 a.m. during Saturday morning cartoons. Either that or they will be played at a neutral field on the mean streets of Ponte Vedra.
Comments are closed.