JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Eight years ago, a day of competitive gaming turned tragic. On Aug. 26, 2018, a gunman opened fire during a Madden NFL 19 tournament at the Jacksonville Landing, killing two people and injuring 11 others before taking his own life.
The shooter, a 24-year-old Baltimore man, burst into the Good Luck Have Fun game bar inside Chicago Pizza restaurant and opened fire on rival players.
2 killed in shooting at Jacksonville Landing (Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)Victims remembered
Elijah Clayton, 22, and Taylor Robertson, 27, lost their lives in the attack. Clayton was a former high school football player, while Robertson was a husband and father.
Eleven others were injured before the gunman turned the weapon on himself, ending the attack inside the waterfront shopping and entertainment complex.
Flowers and a candle placed by the main entrance of the Jacksonville Landing are the only signs that remain 36 hours after a mass shooting.Violations, lawsuits followed
Days after the shooting, the city fire marshal shut down Chicago Pizza, citing three fire code violations: blocking exits with video game machines and other objects, using strip plugs as permanent wiring, and using extension cords as a substitute for permanent wiring.
A total of 32 lawsuits were filed in the wake of the mass shooting.
A video game competitor from Wisconsin who survived being shot three times, was among those who sued. He claimed in his lawsuit that Electronic Arts failed to screen players who entered the tournament, that the Landing did not have adequate security, and that Chicago Pizza was not approved to host the gaming tournament.
No description foundLanding demolished
The Jacksonville Landing itself no longer stands. The waterfront complex was demolished in July of 2019 following years of discussions about its future.
The Landing is demolished (Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4Jax – All rights reserved.)
The property is now home to Riverfront Plaza, which officially opened in December of last year.
The completed first phase of the project features expanded public spaces and improved waterfront access. Phase Two of the development will introduce additional amenities, including a beer garden and a new bike and pedestrian connection to the Main Street Bridge.
Riverfront Plaza’s proposed cafe with rooftop play area. (Downtown Investment Authority)
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