On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered to remember and mourn the loss of three Black individuals who were tragically shot in a racist attack in Jacksonville, Florida. The suspect, a 21-year-old white man, opened fire at a Dollar General store in the predominantly Black neighborhood of New Town, killing two men and a woman.
The victims have been identified as Angela Michelle Carr, 52; A.J. Laguerre, 19; and Jerrald Gallion, 29. Angela Carr, known for her inviting nature and generosity, was an Uber driver who had just dropped off a friend at the store before being fatally shot. Her son expressed the profound loss, stating, “To lose a mother for nothing.”
Jarrald Gallion, a devoted father, was shot as he entered the store. Family and community members remembered Gallion during a prayer vigil, emphasizing his sense of humor and strong work ethic. He had planned to spend the weekend with his 4-year-old daughter, whom he loved deeply.
The youngest victim, A.J. Laguerre, was an employee at the store. He was shot while attempting to flee the scene. Laguerre’s heartbreaking death was a tragic result of this racially motivated attack.
The community and city officials expressed their grief and called for an end to such senseless violence. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan stated, “This is something that should not and must not continue to happen in our community.” The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the shooting as a hate crime.
It is important to remember the lives lost and the devastating impact this incident has had on the community. The victims were cherished individuals with families and loved ones who will forever mourn their untimely deaths.