Florida Shooter's Racist Attack Exposes Divisive Rhetoric and Calls for Action

The white gunman who killed three Black people at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida, purchased his guns legally and had no criminal record, according to local law enforcement. The shooter, Ryan Christopher Palmeter, left behind manifestos expressing his hatred for Black people. Although there were no prior red flags, Palmeter had been briefly held under the Baker Act in 2017 during a mental health crisis. The shooting is being investigated as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism. President Joe Biden called for an end to the fear faced by Black families due to gun violence based on their skin color. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has faced criticism for his government's treatment of Black history, pledged to work with a historically Black college to enhance security.