Jacksonville, Florida, is grappling with the aftermath of a horrific shooting that claimed the lives of three innocent people. The gunman, identified as Ryan Palmeter, 21, specifically targeted black people in a hate-filled rampage.
A Timeline of Terror
The tragic events unfolded on Saturday, August 26th, 2023, beginning with Palmeter leaving his residence in Orange Park, Clay County. He had sent a chilling text to his father at 1:18 p.m., instructing him to check his computer. This message, later discovered to contain racist manifestos and a suicide note, would become a critical piece in understanding the shooter’s motives.
By 1:53 p.m., Palmeter’s family, alarmed by the content on his computer, contacted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. However, by then, Palmeter had already arrived in Jacksonville and embarked on his deadly mission.
The Shooting at Dollar General
Armed with an AR-style rifle, a handgun, and outfitted in a tactical vest, Palmeter drove to a Dollar General store. At approximately 1:08 p.m., a campus security officer noticed Palmeter acting suspiciously and alerted authorities.
Surveillance footage captures Palmeter calmly shooting into a black Kia in the store’s parking lot, killing Angela Michelle Carr, 52, his first victim. He then entered the Dollar General, fatally shooting Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., 19, who was working at the store.
As terrified customers fled through the back door, Palmeter pursued them, firing a shot before re-entering the store. Inside, he chased down and killed his final victim, Gerald Deshawn Galleon, 29. His girlfriend narrowly escaped as Palmeter’s shot missed its mark.
The Aftermath
Following the murders, Palmeter took his own life inside the store’s office. The entire ordeal, from the first shot to Palmeter’s suicide, lasted a mere five minutes.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released portions of the chilling surveillance footage, emphasizing the calculated and targeted nature of the attack. Sheriff T.K. Waters confirmed the shooter’s racist ideology, citing his hate-filled writings and the fact that all three victims were black.
A History of Mental Illness
Investigations revealed that Palmeter had a documented history of mental health issues. In 2017, he was placed under a Baker Act hold, which allows for involuntary institutionalization for a mental health crisis. However, he was released after 72 hours.
The Community Reacts
The senseless act of violence has left the Jacksonville community reeling. Vigils were held to honor the victims, and local leaders expressed their grief and outrage.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for gun control measures and a deeper examination of racial hatred in the United States. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a hate crime.
