First lawsuit over mass shooting at Madden NFL tournament due to be filed this week, Florida law firm says

A lawsuit claiming that lax security led to Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at the Madden NFL video game tournament will be filed this week, a Florida law firm said Tuesday.

“We have been retained by a victim of the Jacksonville Landing gaming tournament shooting. We are of the opinion the shooting could have, and should have, been prevented. Prayers to all those impacted by this senseless tragedy,” lawyer Matt Morgan said in a Twitter post.

At a press conference Tuesday, Morgan declined to identify the victim or say who the lawsuit will name as the defendants.

He said the intention is to “hold all responsible entities accountable.”

“It seems like every time we turn on the news, there’s another reporting of another mass shooting,” Morgan said during the press event streamed on Facebook. “This is not a time in America for bare-bones security, or even worse, no security at all.”

He said business owners and event organizers have a duty to provide the “highest level” of security possible.

“Business as usual, on the security front, will no longer be tolerated by Americans,” he said. “We are going to demand more.”

He said his firm, Morgan & Morgan, represents multiple people harmed by the tragedy, so subsequent lawsuits are expected as well.

The first complaint is expected to be filed in Florida state court.

The horrific shooting unfolded Sunday afternoon during a qualifying tournament for this year’s Madden Classic championship.

The rampage claimed the lives of pro gamers Elijah “Trueboy” Clayton, 22, and Taylor “SpotMePlzzz” Robertson, 27. At least 10 other people were injured in the spasm of violence at the GLHF Game Bar at the Jacksonville Landing.

The event was organized by gaming giant Electronic Arts.

In a statement Monday night, the company’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, cancelled the remaining qualifying tournaments for the championship round.

“We have made a decision to cancel our three remaining Madden Classic qualifier events while we run a comprehensive review of safety protocols for competitors and spectators,” Wilson said.

“We will work with our partners and our internal teams to establish a consistent level of security at all of our competitive gaming events,” he said.

Police identified the shooter as 24-year-old David Katz of Baltimore.

Officials said Katz specifically targeted fellow gamers attending the tournament on Sunday before killing himself.