White Supremacist Kills Three in Racially Motivated Shooting in Jacksonville, Florida
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In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a white supremacist killed three black individuals in a racially motivated shooting at a business establishment in Jacksonville, Florida. The shooter, identified as 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter, later took his own life. Authorities have confirmed that Palmeter had no prior criminal record and had legally obtained the weapons used in the attack.
According to Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters, Palmeter resided with his parents in an area on the outskirts of Jacksonville. His father discovered a suicide note, a will, and several manifestos in his bedroom, showcasing the young man’s intense hatred towards black people. “He had no criminal history of any kind, nothing. There were no warning signs,” Sheriff Waters stated. The only recorded incident involving Palmeter was a domestic violence report related to his brother. It was also revealed that in 2017, he had been admitted to a mental health clinic during a crisis under a state law that allows forced entry into such facilities.
The timing of the shooting is particularly poignant, as it occurred on the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington led by Martin Luther King Jr., where demands for civil rights and equality echoed throughout the nation. President Joe Biden condemned the shooting in a statement, emphasizing the urgent need for a society where black families and students can live without fear of being targeted due to the color of their skin.
The incident is being investigated by the Department of Justice as a hate crime and a “racially motivated act of violent extremism,” according to Attorney General Merrick Garland. Palmeter had been seen loitering near Edward Waters College, a predominantly black institution, prior to the shooting. When confronted by a security guard and asked for identification, Palmeter refused, leading to him being denied access to the premises. Edward Waters College later confirmed that Palmeter was involved in the shooting near the campus.
Eyewitnesses reported that before entering the store, a branch of the Dollar General chain, Palmeter put on a bulletproof vest and masked his face. Once inside, he opened fire on a 52-year-old woman, Angela Michelle Carr, who was sitting in her vehicle parked outside the store. Palmeter then proceeded to shoot Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre, 19, and Jerrald De’Shaun Gallion, 29, inside the establishment. The shooter was armed with a Glock pistol and an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, both of which had swastikas painted on them.
This tragic incident marks the 471st shooting in the United States this year alone, averaging more than two shootings per day. The senseless loss of innocent lives in this targeted act of violence serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address issues of hate and extremism within society.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the lives lost, and authorities strive to piece together the motive behind this horrific act.