A survivor of the recent shooting at a tournament in Jacksonville, Florida, has filed a lawsuit against Electronic Arts, alleging that the company was negligent when it failed to provide adequate security at the venue on August 26.
Three people died at the incident, including the shooter. Seven others suffered injuries, including the plaintiff in this case, Jacob Mitich.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Duval County Court in Florida on August 30, claims that EA “knew or should have known that there had been a number of serious criminal incidents, including crimes of violence and murder at ‘The Landing’ and in the immediate neighborhood in the recent past prior to August 26, 2018.” (The Jacksonville Landing describes itself as “a wide variety of waterfront dining options and a cozy inside shopping mall.”)
Lawyers representing Mitich also argued that EA did not perform adequate due diligence to determine that the host of the venue, Chicago Pizza, had the proper permits to hold such an event. Worse still, EA did not have “adequate security measures,” including metal detectors, wands, or backpack inspections.
The lawsuit names not only EA as a defendant but also The Landing’s ownership group and one of its tenants, Chicago Pizza, which also included the GLHF Game Bar.
Electronic Arts did not respond to Ars’ request for comment.
In a statement sent to Kotaku, the company wrote: “At this time, we are fully focused on supporting the victims and all those affected by this tragic event.”
However, the same day that the lawsuit was filed, EA said it would establish a fund to support victims of the shooting. The company donated the first $1 million and invited other gamers to contribute as well at this GoFundMe page.
For its part, The Landing, through its spokeswoman Katie Boyles, declined to respond to Ars’ questions.
“We are deeply saddened at the incident and pray for everyone involved,” the company said in a statement that Boyles provided to Ars. “The Jacksonville Landing is fully cooperating with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and all ongoing investigations.”
