Internet calls for stricter gun laws after Jacksonville Beach shooting leaves 1 person dead amid St Patrick's Day festivities

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA: Police are searching for suspects after a shooting incident in Bar District by Jacksonville Beach in Florida on Saturday, March 16.

The shooting left one person dead and two others injured during the St Patrick's Day celebrations after a gunman started shooting into the crowd. 

Jacksonville Beach shooting leaves one person dead

The incident unfolded during the St Patrick's Day celebrations at Jacksonville Beach, with reports of around 10 gunshots being fired, the Daily Mail reports. 

Panic struck hundreds of people gathered in the area for the festivities and fled onto the beach to seek safety. Tragically, one person lost their life, while two others are in serious condition and another sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Videos shared on X captured the chaos as terrified partygoers ran onto the sand to escape the gunfire coming from the boardwalk.

The police blocked the area and closed down the beachfront Bar District until further notice as they searched for the suspects, who are still at large. Authorities are also trying to determine if there were multiple shooters involved.

The owner of Salt Bar & Restaurant recounted the tense moments and told News4Jax, "We got here and everybody was safe and next thing you know there was things going down. People got scared. There was a few people who were worried about getting shot from blind bullets, but the boardwalk is a public beach and sometimes people come out that maybe shouldn’t be here."

The Jacksonville Beach Police Department initially announced the active shooter incident in the downtown area just after 9 pm on Sunday, as reported by the Daily Mail. People were asked to shelter in place until the all-clear was given, which happened just after 11 pm.

Sergeant Tonya Tator from the Jacksonville Beach Police appealed to the public for any information, stating, "If anyone knows or sees anything, they are asked to call the Jacksonville Beach Police Department." She also confirmed that the shooting occurred "out in the open" and not inside the bar.

Jacksonville Beach Mayor Christine Hofmann expressed her support for law enforcement at the scene. Multiple agencies from the region responded to the incident.

Hofmann emphasized the bravery of business owners and told First Coast News, "We have a lot going on out here. The fact we had a couple of bad actors out here that really made a dangerous situation for everyone is extremely tragic and unfortunate."

Internet users call Jacksonville Beach shooting 'deeply concerning'

A user on X wrote, "This is a tragic and deeply concerning situation. May peace be restored swiftly, and may all those affected find safety and comfort during this difficult time."

Another user wrote, "That's terrible! Hopefully they can get the shooter!"

A user commented, "This is why we need gun safety laws!"

Another user commented, "Yeah, at this point, is it really news? I mean, it is for you, but for many of us, it's everyday life and is only increasing. Until someone fixes the root of the issue, it will continue to escalate."

A user stated, "Horrible news. Especially on spring break with so many people having already head down to Florida. Pray for the victims."

Another user questions, "Americans can’t even have a family Sunday at the beach anymore?"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.