Shooting in United States: White gunman with Swastika-emblazoned rifle kills 3 Black people in Jacksonville

A white man opened fire at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida, killing three Black people. Later, the accused shot himself as well.

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 27 August 2023 7:27 am

Assault Rifle

Three black people were killed when a white gunman, in a racially motivated attack, opened fire at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida. He later shot himself, said the city's sheriff. The accused is believed to have used a Glock and an "AR-15 style" rifle, with swastikas on them. With the symbol engraved on the accused's "AR-15 style", it is evident that the fight for racial equality is still ongoing, even 60 years after the March on Washington.

What is Swastika and what does it indicate??

The Swastika, earlier used as ancient symbol in various Eurasian, as well as some African and American cultures, was later appropriated by the Nazi Party of Hitler. It is not considered as the symbol of hate and intolerance.

Meanwhile, according to information shared by the police, the accused was wearing body armor and left manifestos. The details also revealed that the accused, who was in his early 20s, was carrying a lightweight semi-automatic rifle and a handgun.

Furthermore, the name of the shooter has not been officially confirmed yet. As per Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, the gunman's hatred of Black people is believed to have been a factor in the shooting. Sheriff T.K Waters also mentioned that two black men and a black woman have been killed in the incident.

The sheriff said that the authorities believe the shooter acted alone. The authorities also claimed that the accused had written several manifestos before the shooting, which were addressed to the media, his parents, and law enforcement. These manifestos detailed his hatred for Black people.

Mayor of Jacksonville, Donna Deegan, said that the episode was a hate-filled crime executed by a racist. On the other hand, the Governor of Florida called the gunman a "scumbag" and described the shooting as "horrific."