Hundreds of people gathered on Sunday at prayer vigils and in church to mourn the tragic killing of three Black individuals in Florida. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Ryan Palmeter, was a White man who authorities say left behind white supremacist writings that resembled "the diary of a madman." The incident occurred at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, where Palmeter opened fire using legally purchased guns, despite having a history of involuntary commitment for a mental health examination. The shooting has reignited the debate on gun laws and racial violence in America.

The community came together for a Sunday evening vigil near the store, organized by Ju'Coby Pittman, a Jacksonville city councilwoman who represents the neighborhood. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who has been criticized for his stance on gun laws and racial issues, addressed the vigil and was met with loud boos from the crowd. Councilwoman Pittman intervened, urging the crowd to put aside political differences and unite against the tragedy. She emphasized that the incident was not about political parties but about the loss of innocent lives.

In response to the shooting, Governor DeSantis announced that the state would be providing financial support for security at Edward Waters University, a historically Black college near the crime scene, as well as for the affected families. He condemned the gunman as a "major league scumbag" and expressed his commitment to preventing racially motivated attacks in Florida. While some in the crowd applauded the governor's comments, others shouted that the shooter was a racist.

Sheriff T.K. Waters identified the victims as Angela Michelle Carr, a 52-year-old woman who was shot in her car; A.J. Laguerre, a 19-year-old store employee who was killed while trying to flee; and Jerrald Gallion, a 29-year-old customer who was shot as he entered the store. Gallion, who attended St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, was described by Bishop John Guns as a father who had dedicated his life to Jesus and was trying to make positive changes. The emotional toll of the incident was evident as Bishop Guns shared his exhaustion and grief, emphasizing that Gallion was not a “gangster” or a "thug."

Family members of Jerrald Gallion revealed that he had planned to spend the weekend with his 4-year-old daughter but was tragically killed before he could. The shooting unfolded on Saturday afternoon, starting at Edward Waters University, where Palmeter was seen wearing a bullet-resistant vest. After evading university security, he drove to the Dollar General store, where the shooting spree began.

Authorities stated that Palmeter used an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a Glock handgun during the attack. Despite his past involuntary commitment, he had legally purchased these weapons in recent months. The lack of disclosure in his background checks due to his release after the examination has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the system.

Palmeter ultimately took his own life before the police arrived at the scene. Prior to that, he had texted his father instructing him to break into his room. Inside, his father discovered a suicide note, a will, and the racist writings described by Sheriff Waters as the "diary of a madman." Although Palmeter exhibited irrational behavior, authorities believe he was fully aware of his actions during the shooting.

The incident has sparked national outrage and calls for action against white supremacy and gun violence. President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning white supremacy and expressing his support for the people of Jacksonville. Vice President Kamala Harris joined in, calling for the renewal of the assault weapons ban and an end to these tragic events. Attorney General Merrick Garland labeled the shooting as an act of racially motivated violent extremism and announced that it would be investigated as a hate crime.

Local faith leaders and elected officials have also spoken out against the shooting, blaming political rhetoric and policies for encouraging racially motivated attacks. They emphasized the need for honest conversations about the presence of racism in America and the importance of protecting Black lives. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against racial violence and the urgent need for change.