August 28, 2023
A masked white man with a swastika-emblazoned weapon launched a racially motivated attack in Jacksonville, Florida on Monday, killing three Black individuals before turning the gun on himself.
The assailant, Ryan Palmeter, 21, shared racist writings and had a history of mental health concerns. The victims included Angela Michelle Carr, 32, A.J. Laguerre, 20, and Jerrald Gallion, 34.
Palmeter opened fire at a barbershop in the city's downtown area shortly before 10:00 AM. He then fled the scene and shot two more people at a nearby convenience store. All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Palmeter was later found dead in his car, which had crashed into a tree. Police believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting has sparked outrage and calls for action against hate crimes. Mayor Lenny Curry called the attack "an act of hate and cowardice" and said that the city would not tolerate such violence.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as a hate crime.
