Gunman in ballistic vest opens fire at Florida General Store, four dead

A horrifying incident unfolded on Saturday as a gunman clad in a ballistic vest unleashed a barrage of gunfire upon shoppers inside a Florida General Store. The devastating attack resulted in the loss of four lives.

In a grim turn of events, the assailant himself was one of the casualties, following a gun battle with law enforcement officers who swiftly responded to the scene.

Confirmed by Mayor Donna Deegan, the shooting transpired on Kings Road near Canal Street in Northwest Jacksonville. She somberly acknowledged the presence of multiple fatalities. The shooter was reportedly barricaded within a Dollar General store, heightening the tension in the area.

Notably, the gunman had been spotted on the campus of Edward Waters University (EWU) shortly before the tragic incident unfolded. Witnesses recounted that the suspected shooter had been seen near the EWU library, wearing a ballistic vest just moments before the eruption of gunfire.

Mayor Deegan was observed on-site, engaged in discussions with officials and District 13 State Representative Angie Nixon, who represents the affected neighborhood.

One eyewitness shared a chilling account, revealing that he narrowly escaped entering the Dollar General store. His lack of money prompted him to visit another nearby store, ultimately sparing him from the unfolding tragedy, as recounted by News4jax.