EA Cancels Remaining Madden Classic Qualifying Events Following Jacksonville Shooting
Electronic Arts, the developer of Madden NFL 19, have cancelled the three remaining events in the Madden Classic qualifying series, following the tragic shooting that took place at a Madden event in Jacksonville, Florida.
In a statement posted on the EA website, CEO Andrew Williams announced that EA would be cancelling the remaining three events while they evaluate future safety protocols for events.
Williams also confirmed that while these events are run by independent partners, EA would be working to improve security at future events, stating;
We will work with our partners and our internal teams to establish a consistent level of security at all of our competitive gaming events.
EA and Williams also expressed their sorrow surrounding the tragedy that took place in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, August 26, and offered their support to the families of those affected.
First and foremost, it is an unthinkable tragedy that Taylor Robertson and Elijah Clayton, two of our top Madden competitors, lost their lives in this way.
We are committed to supporting Taylor and Elijah’s families through this difficult time, and we send our deepest sympathies to their loved ones, to those injured yesterday, and everyone affected.
Taylor Robertson and Elijah Clayton were shot and killed during a Madden tournament at the GLHF Bar in Jacksonville, Florida, while 11 people were injured during the attack. The gunman was 24-year-old David Katz, a competitor in the tournament.
It has since emerged that Katz had a history of mental illness, however no official motive has been released yet by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department.