Hundreds of individuals came together on Sunday for prayer vigils and church services in Jacksonville, Florida, to mourn the tragic racist attack that took the lives of three Black individuals. The perpetrator, a 21-year-old white man named Ryan Palmeter, left behind disturbing white supremacist writings that resembled the ramblings of a deranged individual.
Following earlier church services, approximately 200 people attended an evening vigil near the Dollar General store where the shooting occurred. Despite a history of involuntary commitment for a mental health evaluation, Palmeter was able to legally purchase firearms, which he used in the attack.
Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who has been criticized for his stance on gun laws and civil rights, was met with boos as he addressed the vigil. Ju’Coby Pittman, a Jacksonville city councilwoman, stepped in to emphasize the importance of unity and the need to address the issue beyond political differences.
In response to the tragedy, Governor DeSantis announced that the state would provide financial support for security measures at Edward Waters University, a historically black college located near the shooting site, as well as assistance for the affected families. DeSantis condemned the gunman’s actions, labeling him a “major league scumbag” and vowing to prevent racial targeting in Florida.
The victims were identified as Angela Michelle Carr, a 52-year-old who was shot in her car, A.J. Laguerre, a 19-year-old store employee who was shot while attempting to flee, and Jerrald Gallion, a 29-year-old customer who was shot upon entering the store in a predominantly Black neighborhood.
The tragedy deeply affected the community, particularly St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where Jerrald Gallion was a member. Bishop John Guns expressed his grief, emphasizing that Gallion was a devoted father who had dedicated his life to Jesus. The toll of racist violence weighed heavily on Guns and the congregation, with the bishop remarking on the exhaustion and emotional strain.
The events leading up to the shooting began when Palmeter parked at Edward Waters University. Prior to the attack, a video uploaded on TikTok showed Palmeter wearing a bullet-resistant vest. A university security guard approached him, but Palmeter quickly drove away. The guard then alerted a Jacksonville sheriff’s officer, who was about to issue an alert to other officers when the shooting began at the Dollar General store.
Using an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a Glock handgun, Palmeter carried out the shooting spree. Despite his history of involuntary commitment, he had obtained these firearms legally in recent months due to the lack of background checks indicating his past mental health evaluation.
As police arrived at the scene, Palmeter took his own life, leaving a suicide note, will, and a collection of racist writings that Sheriff T.K. Waters described as “the diary of a madman.” Although Palmeter’s thoughts were irrational, he was fully aware of his actions.
The sheriff provided details of Palmeter’s actions during the shooting. Clad in a bullet-resistant vest, covered by a shirt, gloves, and a mask, he first targeted Angela Michelle Carr’s vehicle, firing multiple shots through her windshield. Palmeter then entered the store, shooting A.J. Laguerre. Numerous individuals managed to escape through the back door, but Palmeter pursued them, firing but missing. He returned to the store and encountered Jerrald Gallion entering with his girlfriend, whom he also shot and killed.
President Joe Biden responded to the tragedy, stating that white supremacy has no place in America and urging the nation to reject a culture where Black individuals live in fear due to the color of their skin. He offered his support to the people of Jacksonville.
The local community, including Mayor Donna Deegan, gathered at St. Paul AME Church for a service where the pastor advised congregants to follow Jesus Christ’s example and avoid succumbing to rage and anger.
Elected officials raised concerns about the role of political rhetoric that targets “wokeness” and policies implemented by the Republican-led state government, including the removal of Black history from the curriculum. State Representative Angie Nixon emphasized that the attack was not merely racially motivated but an act of racist violence perpetuated by rhetoric and policies aimed at attacking the Black community.
Rudolph McKissick, a national board member of Al Sharpton’s National Action Network and senior pastor of Bethel Church, highlighted the need for honest conversations about racism, emphasizing its presence in society.
This tragic shooting adds to a long history of targeted attacks on Black Americans, such as the supermarket shooting in Buffalo, New York in 2022 and the Charleston church shooting in South Carolina in 2015. The Buffalo shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, stands out as one of the deadliest instances of targeted violence against Black people by a lone white gunman in U.S. history.
In conclusion, the community and political figures are grappling with the repercussions of this racist attack in Jacksonville. Large gatherings, prayer vigils, and church services serve as opportunities for collective mourning and reflection as the nation confronts the ongoing issue of racial violence.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
