Monday marks one year since the New Town Grand Park area was targeted in a racially motivated mass shooting that left three innocent people dead.
The three victims of the 2023 racially motivated mass shooting, Jerrald Gallion, Angela Carr and “AJ” Laguerre, Jr., were honored Sunday with a new memorial marker and a groundswell.
The memorial ceremony took place in a community that was terrorized and attacked by a hate-motivated gunman a year ago. It was held at Kings Road Memorial Park, the same site where the city approved a memorial marker.
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Action News Jax Shanila Kabir attended the ceremony. Several community members said they are still grieving.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and many other speakers said this memorial should ensure we remember the victims and survivors of that terrible day
“It’s been one year since we were confronted with the harsh reality of hate and violence. It’s a moment where we vowed to never forget the lives lost and the pain inflicted,” said Mayor Deegan.
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It happened at a Dollar General on Kings Road when the horrific shooting ended when the suspect, 21-year-old Ryan Palmer, turned the gun on himself.
Council members, the group 904ward and other organizations came together to hold this memorial service to honor and pay tribute to the lives of the victims. Dozens of community members also came out to show support.
“We are here to remember the lives that were stolen, stolen for one simple reason. Their lives were taken because of the color of their skin,” said Pastor John Allen.
Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, representing the district, said this tragedy requires more than just remembering and focusing on the policies we need to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
“The tragedy that occurred is unacceptable and we must never accept the violence, pain, tragedy and trauma that we all felt,” said Councilmember Pittman, District 10.
Action News Jax spoke with several members of Mayor Deegan’s team who said this ceremony will be held annually. They added that they hope this new monument will be a reminder that hate, racism and bigotry have no place in Jacksonville.
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