Hundreds of individuals united in grief and frustration on Sunday, attending prayer vigils and church services to mourn yet another racist attack in America. This particular incident occurred in Florida, where three Black individuals were tragically killed by a white supremacist. The 21-year-old perpetrator, Ryan Palmeter, had left behind disturbing white supremacist writings that resembled the ramblings of a deranged person. Despite a previous involuntary commitment for a mental health examination, Palmeter was able to legally purchase firearms, which he used in the attack.
During a Sunday evening vigil near the Dollar General store where the shooting took place, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, known for his controversial stance on gun laws and “wokeness,” faced loud boos from the crowd. However, Jacksonville city councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman urged attendees to put aside political affiliations in order to unite against the senseless violence. Governor DeSantis later announced that the state of Florida would provide financial aid for security at Edward Waters University, a historically black college near the scene of the shooting, as well as for the affected families. He strongly condemned the shooter, labeling him a “major league scumbag” and emphasizing that the state will not tolerate racial targeting.
The victims of the shooting were identified as Angela Michelle Carr, A.J. Laguerre, and Jerrald Gallion. Gallion, a customer at the store, was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville. His death marked the 33rd murder that Bishop John Guns, the pastor of the church, had witnessed during his 27 years of service. Guns expressed his deep sadness and exhaustion, describing Gallion as a devoted father who had dedicated his life to faith and was trying to rebuild his life.
The harrowing events began on Saturday afternoon when Palmeter parked at Edward Waters University. It was reported that he was seen wearing a bullet-resistant vest in a video posted on TikTok. A university security guard noticed Palmeter and tried to approach him, but Palmeter fled. The security guard then flagged down a sheriff’s officer, who was about to issue an alert when the shooting began. Palmeter used an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a Glock handgun to carry out the attack. Despite his prior mental health evaluation, which resulted in an involuntary commitment, Palmeter had legally obtained the firearms within the past few months.
The gunman took his own life as law enforcement arrived at the scene, just 11 minutes after the shooting had commenced. Authorities later revealed that Palmeter had contacted his father during the shooting and instructed him to break into his room. His father discovered a suicide note, a will, and a collection of racist writings that were described as the nonsensical ravings of a disturbed individual. Sheriff T.K. Waters clarified that although Palmeter’s thoughts were irrational, he was coherent and fully aware of his actions.
Palmeter’s violent spree began with the targeted shooting of Angela Michelle Carr, followed by the murder of store employee A.J. Laguerre. Surveillance footage showed Palmeter chasing numerous individuals who managed to escape through the store’s back door. He then encountered Jerrald Gallion, who was entering the store with his girlfriend, and fatally shot him. One woman was also pursued by Palmeter but managed to escape unharmed.
In response to the incident, President Joe Biden released a statement condemning white supremacy and affirming that America should not be a place where Black individuals live in fear due to the color of their skin. President Biden personally spoke with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Sheriff Waters, offering his full support to the community.
During a church service near the shooting location, Reverend Willie Barnes urged his congregation to follow the example of Jesus Christ and temper their grief with hope, rather than allowing anger to consume them. Mayor Deegan broke down in tears during the service, expressing her sorrow and her struggle to control her anger.
Many elected officials highlighted the role that political rhetoric and policies targeting “wokeness” have played in encouraging racist attacks like the one that occurred on Saturday. State Representative Angie Nixon emphasized that the incident was not simply racially motivated but instead constituted racist violence perpetuated by rhetoric and policies that aim to undermine the lives and history of Black people.
Rudolph McKissick, a senior pastor, Baptist bishop, and national board member of the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, was present in Jacksonville when the shooting unfolded. He stressed the urgency of having open and honest conversations about the prevalence of racism.
The shooting in Florida joins a long history of racially motivated attacks targeting Black Americans in the United States. From the 2015 Charleston church shooting to the 2022 Buffalo supermarket attack, these incidents continue to highlight the urgent need for societal change and the eradication of white supremacy.
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