Jacksonville, FL – Three people were fatally shot in a Dollar General store this past Saturday by a man who had earlier been turned away from Edward Waters University, a historically Black institution. Authorities have described the attacker as a white male in his early 20s, and the shooting is being investigated as a targeted attack against Black individuals.
Before the incident at the Dollar General, the assailant was spotted on the campus of Edward Waters University where he refused to identify himself to on-campus security and was subsequently asked to leave. The school went into lockdown after the incident was reported to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters told CNN that the suspect had donned a bulletproof vest and mask after leaving the campus. Armed with an AR-15 style rifle and a handgun, the shooter opened fire outside the store before moving inside and killing three people. The assailant later turned the gun on himself.
CNN prominently featured the incident as a top story on their website, emphasizing the racial angle and using it to advocate for gun control measures. This has sparked criticism from those who argue that the network disproportionately focuses on racially motivated attacks while often overlooking daily instances of violence within Black communities.
The Jacksonville shooting is undoubtedly tragic and raises important issues about gun violence and racism. However, critics argue that the media’s selective focus might inadvertently distort the public’s perception of these complex issues, by not providing a comprehensive view of gun violence affecting various communities.
CNN’s prominent treatment of this incident contrasts with its less robust coverage of violence within Black communities. The argument is not to downplay the seriousness of racially motivated attacks but to question why certain stories receive more media attention than others. As the country grapples with ongoing issues related to gun control and racial inequality, it raises questions about how the media chooses to spotlight particular incidents, shaping the narrative and influencing public opinion.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of the victims and awaits further details that will shed light on the motive behind this devastating attack.