August 27, 2018

Page 1

www.alligator.org

We Inform. You Decide.

VOLUME 113 ISSUE 3

MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2018

Not officially associated with the University of Florida

Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida

‘One of a kind’: Gainesville reacts to Sen. John McCain’s passing By Jessica Giles Alligator Staff Writer

In the midst of divisive politics and a contentious primary election, Sen. John McCain reminds City Commissioner David Arreola what it means to be a public servant. “To see people so proud of him for what he did and for his career, not only for me personally does that reaffirm my commitment to my chosen career path, but it also reminds me that there’s a lot more commonality than there are differ-

ences,” Arreola said. After battling brain cancer for more than a year, McCain died Saturday afternoon surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by his office. At 81, he had served the U.S. as a war veteran, representative and senator, with his political career spanning decades. His death has left local leaders and students from all sides of the political spectrum reminiscing on his life and legacy. Rep. Ted Yoho remembers McCain as an American hero who “put his country above all else,” his statement reads.

Rep. Chuck Clemons also expressed his condolences for who he heralded as one of the last great American heroes. “He consistently put conviction above party politics,” Clemons wrote in a message. Victoria Garrastacho, a 20-year-old UF accounting junior, found out about his passing from a flood of text messages from her family and friends Saturday night. “I know that he lived the life he wanted, but I was just sad because I think it was cut a little short because of the disease he had,” she said.

Garrastacho first heard McCain’s name in fifth grade when McCain was a presidential candidate, and over the years she’s grown to admire him as a politician who rose above low-blows and dirty politics, she said. “I don’t think there will ever be someone like John McCain. I think he’s one of a kind. But I really hope that his work and just his character is an example for future public servants.” @jessica_giles_ jgiles@alligator.org

Three dead and 13 injured at Jacksonville shooting By Amanda Rosa Alligator Staff Writer

Shelbie Eakins/Alligator Staff

Rushing home New UF Panhellenic members run to their houses on bid day. Go to page 8 to see more photos.

Three people, including the suspected shooter, are dead after a mass shooting in Jacksonville, Florida, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, as of Sunday night. The shooting occurred inside the Chicago Pizza restaurant in The Jacksonville Landing, a waterfront entertainment complex, during a “Madden NFL 19” video game tournament around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said in a press conference. The alleged shooter shot and killed himself, Williams said. One handgun was used. Eleven people sustained gunshot injuries and two others were injured while fleeing, according to a tweet from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. All injured victims are in stable condition. The sheriff’s office has not yet released the names of the dead. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Offices believe the suspect was 24-year-old David Katz, of Baltimore. FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are confirming his identity, according to the sheriff’s office. The motive is unknown. The suspected shooter came to Jacksonville to participate in the gaming competition, Sheriff Williams said. Deputies found and impounded the shooter’s car and believe he stayed somewhere locally overnight. The moment of the shooting was caught on a livestream of two gamers competing. The video was cut off after several gunshots sounded off. Police received 911 calls at 1:34 p.m. about a shooting. Law enforcement responded within two minutes, according to the sheriff’s office.

SEE JAX, PAGE 4

HOW THE UF FOOTBALL STAFF TOOK SHAPE

Coach Dan Mullen assembled former assistants and rivals to work for the Gators football team this season. Who are they, and what have they done?, pg. 14

David Beckham, a turtle, returns home

The box turtle was returned to the Santa Fe Teaching Zoo after being stolen in May, pg. 10

Buzz around town

UF’s honeybee lab opens after years of planning, pg. 9

FOLLOW US ONLINE FOR UPDATES @FloridaAlligator @TheAlligator_ @TheAlligator


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