A mass shooting occurred at a Dollar General store, resulting in the deaths of four individuals in Jacksonville, Florida. The sequence of events leading up to the mass shooting began when the suspected shooter was spotted at a local university campus wearing a ballistics vest.

Fleeing from security personnel, the individual left the campus and proceeded to target the Dollar General store, where the tragedy unfolded.

Mayor Donna Deegan, who arrived at the scene promptly, confirmed the devastating news of multiple fatalities, describing the incident as a “mass shooting.” The city’s leadership expressed their condolences and support for the affected families and the entire community, as they grapple with the profound impact of this violence.

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Local authorities, including the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, responded swiftly to the incident. The alleged shooter reportedly barricaded himself inside the Dollar General store, leading to a tense stand-off with law enforcement personnel, including SWAT teams. The presence of a police helicopter overhead added to the urgency of the situation.

Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos and panic that ensued as gunshots were heard in the vicinity. A bystander narrowly escaped entering the Dollar General store and recounted hearing the shots shortly after changing his plans. The indiscriminate firing by the gunman created a scene of fear and confusion, leaving the community in a state of shock.

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While initial reports suggested that the suspected shooter had been neutralized, the police had yet to officially confirm this information at the time of reporting. As investigations continue and law enforcement agencies work to secure the area and gather evidence, the community is left waiting for official updates on the situation.

The tragic incident, which unfolded around 1 pm local time, led to road closures in the surrounding area. Law enforcement officials urged the public to avoid the vicinity of the Dollar General store to ensure their safety and to facilitate the ongoing response efforts.