Earlier today, reports began circulating online that an active shooter was at The Avenues (Jacksonville), prompting concern among shoppers and residents in Jacksonville. Social media posts described people hiding inside stores, mall evacuations, and sudden lockdowns as bystanders sought safety and waited for information about the situation.
At this time, local law enforcement has not confirmed the presence of an active shooter inside the mall, and there are no verified reports from official news outlets or the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirming injuries or casualtiestied to an active shooter event this afternoon.†
Incidents involving gunfire or rumors at busy public places can spread quickly as frightened witnesses post unverified accounts online, making accurate confirmation difficult in the early stages. Past incidents at the Avenues Mall — including shootings in the parking lot or outside the center during unrelated events — have occurred in previous years and contributed to heightened sensitivities about safety at the shopping complex.†
Authorities are expected to release official updates if evidence of a confirmed shooting or ongoing threat is established. For now, people in the area are being urged to remain cautious and seek verified statements from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or local news channels rather than social media speculation. Anyone with firsthand information about today’s situation is encouraged to contact law enforcement so that accurate details can be shared with the public as the investigation continues.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available from verified sources.
† At the time of this report, no official confirmation of an active shooter has been published by primary news outlets.