A Madden 19 competitor opened fire at the Madden Championship Series southeast qualifier on Aug. 26, killing two people and injuring 11 others before shooting himself.
Jacksonville sheriff Mike Williams confirmed on Monday that 10 victims have been treated for gunshot wounds, while one was treated for an injury incurred while fleeing the scene. A full list of victims will be released shortly, Williams said. Williams also confirmed that the shooter, 24-year-old David “Bread” Katz from Baltimore, Maryland, “clearly targeted” other gamers at the GLHF Game Bar inside Chicago Pizza. Katz reportedly passed other patrons in the front portion of the business before opening fire on the Madden 19 event. Around 130 to 150 patrons were present in the building at the time of the event.
Katz reportedly legally purchased the firearms used to kill Eli “Trueboy” Clayton and Taylor “spotmeplzzz” Robertson from a licensed dealer in Maryland. Williams said he had two handguns with him during the shooting, a 9mm and a .45 caliber. Both were purchased within the past month, police said. Only one gun in the attack, however. During the press conference, Williams also said Katz used an “after market” laser sight, which was seen pointed at Clayton in a Twitch clip of the shooting.
Williams confirmed that Katz had previous relationships with his victims. Many of the participants at the event have competed together throughout the years, traveling as a “circuit” to each qualifying and main event in the lead-up to larger events.
Police in Maryland are currently searching Katz’s home, where his parents are both cooperating with the investigation. Jacksonville police have also searched his vehicle and hotel room used over the weekend. Police stressed the investigation is ongoing, and a motive has not yet been determined.
Early media reports suggest that Katz was upset to have been knocked out of the tournament.
Published: Aug 27, 2018 01:41 pm