Considerable information has already been revealed about the gunman responsible for the tragic shooting at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida. He was armed with an AR-15-style weapon and a handgun, expressed his hatred towards African Americans in manifestos, and dressed in military-style attire. Although there are still unanswered questions regarding the acquisition of the firearms, the shooter’s mental state, and the potential involvement of accomplices, the main narrative is clear. He deliberately made it easy for us to comprehend his motives.
The events that unfolded were not merely a hate crime, but a spectacle for the world to witness. We must not view this as a standalone act; it represents a new era where mass shootings are meticulously planned and executed.
During the press conference held after the shooting, Sheriff T. K. Waters made a concerted effort to provide the public with as much information as possible, without sugarcoating the severity of the situation. By openly using the racial slurs directly from the gunman’s manifesto, he dispelled any euphemisms such as “racially motivated” or “tinged” that may dilute the truth.
Although Sheriff Waters aimed to reassure the community by declaring that the shooter acted alone, asserting that there was no evidence of his association with any larger group creates a false narrative. White supremacists, particularly neo-Nazis, do not operate in isolation; they thrive on the spectacle.
While extremist violence is often perpetrated by individuals, they draw inspiration from online platforms and the actions of like-minded killers who came before them. These acts of mass violence, such as the ones in New Zealand, Norway, and South Carolina, are studied and replicated, perpetuating a never-ending cycle. Similar to foreign terrorist organizations, these individuals use violence to draw attention to their cause. A 2019 online post on a neo-Nazi website even advocated for the emulation of the culture of martyrdom and insurgency seen in groups like the Taliban and ISIS. The underlying message is clear: these killers aim to reaffirm the distorted narrative that white supremacy prevails in America and that they are willing to kill publicly to intimidate others.
In the age of social media and the dark web, these extremists easily find each other on platforms that foster their hateful ideology. Publicly displaying their hatred is an integral part of their performance. In recent years, the neo-Nazi movement has gained traction in Jacksonville and Florida at large. Notably, anti-Semitic messages were projected onto buildings throughout the state, showcasing their presence. These incidents were linked to National Socialist Florida (NSF), a neo-Nazi group based in Jacksonville. While it remains unclear if the shooter was associated with NSF, a federal civil-rights investigation will undoubtedly explore this possibility.
During the press conference, it was revealed that before committing the act, the gunman called his father and directed him to his computer, where he had left his hate-filled manifestos. He wanted to ensure that his intentions were communicated clearly. The photo shared by the police depicts one of the firearms with swastikas drawn on it, further emphasizing his alignment with Nazi ideology.
However, it is important to understand that the Jacksonville killer had an additional target audience: the Black community, both locally and nationwide. It is worth noting that before appearing at the Dollar General store, he was first spotted at Edward Waters University, Florida’s oldest historically Black university. Given the recent controversy surrounding African American studies in the state, and the bomb threats that targeted HBCUs the previous year, these institutions and their students now feel even more vulnerable. When an on-campus security officer confronted the shooter as he prepared to don his tactical gear, he did not seek a confrontation but rather a hunt. The vulnerable customers at the nearby Dollar General store became his prey.
The timing of the shooting is also significant. It coincided with the fifth anniversary of the Jacksonville Landing mass shooting, which the perpetrator was evidently aware of. Moreover, it took place on the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Regardless of the shooter’s awareness, these anniversaries hold deep meaning for the African American community.
Although the casualty count could have been higher, the shooter meticulously orchestrated a day of violence that allowed him to control the narrative and exploit the means at his disposal. While discussions of gun control and mental illness will undoubtedly arise, it is crucial to recognize that the story extends beyond these aspects. What is certain is that this tragedy is far from an isolated incident; we can expect more performances, featuring new actors and victims, continuously perpetuating this never-ending and deeply disturbing American tragedy. The curtains never close on this tragic play.
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