News Summary
Jacksonville, Florida held a memorial ceremony on August 26, 2023, to honor the victims of a racially-motivated shooting that occurred two years ago at a Dollar General store. The event, organized by local leaders, included poignant acts of remembrance, such as placing plaques on trees for the victims. The community expressed its commitment to healing and solidarity against hate while pursuing ongoing legal actions related to the incident. Family members are also actively involved in beautifying a park in tribute to their loved ones, emphasizing the importance of unity and prevention of violence.
Jacksonville Commemorates Anniversary of Deadly Shooting
Jacksonville, Florida, held a memorial ceremony on August 26, 2023, marking the two-year anniversary of a racially-motivated shooting at a Dollar General store on Kings Road. The tragic event resulted in the deaths of three individuals: 52-year-old Angela Carr, 19-year-old A.J. Laguerre Jr., and 29-year-old Jerald Gallion. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has classified the incident as a hate crime driven by racial motives.
The ceremony was organized by Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, along with contributions from the City of Jacksonville, 904Ward, The Community Foundation, and the A. L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund. Community leaders, faith representatives, and the families of the victims came together to reflect on the lives lost and the impact of the shooting on the community.
Memorial Touches and Symbolic Acts
During the ceremony, attendees honored the victims with plaques placed on three trees, symbolically connected to their memories. A dedicated bench for survivors was also unveiled, designed to serve as a space for reflection and remembrance. Families participated in a symbolic watering of the trees, a poignant act reinforcing their connection to their loved ones while advocating for healing and remembrance within the community.
Community Commitment to Healing
The event emphasized the Jacksonville community’s ongoing commitment to address violence and foster solidarity against hate. Mayor Donna Deegan acknowledged the community’s strength over the past two years in the pursuit of healing. Community leaders highlighted the significance of holding annual memorial events to ensure that the memories of the victims remain alive and that families receive the support they need.
Legal Developments
A lawsuit against Dollar General is currently ongoing, with claims of negligence in providing adequate security measures at the store. The plaintiffs’ attorney noted that the Dollar General location had a documented history of crime, drug dealing, and violence, yet the security measures were insufficient to protect customers. The shooter, identified as 21-year-old Ryan Palmeter, took his own life following the attack, adding further complexity to the tragedy.
Continued Tribute Initiatives
In addition to the memorial service, family members of the victims are actively involved in beautifying Kings Road Memorial Park as a tribute to their loved ones. Councilwoman Pittman has pledged to continue honoring the memories of the victims throughout her time in office, ensuring that their legacy contributes positively to community efforts against violence and discrimination.
This anniversary serves not only as a day of remembrance but also as a reminder of the importance of unity and resilience in the face of hate. The Jacksonville community continues to strive for healing, emphasizing the need for vigilance, compassion, and commitment to preventing future acts of violence.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Free Press
- News4Jax
- First Coast News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hate Crime
- Google Search: Dollar General Shooting Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
