EA CEO Responds To Florida Shooting Tragedy; Upcoming Tournaments Canceled

Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson has released a letter responding to the horrible tragedy in Florida that left three people dead at a Madden tournament. Wilson said the shooting at the Madden Classic qualifying tournament in Jacksonville, Florida was a "horrific and senseless actor of violence."

"I know many of us, myself included, are filled with shock and grief. Our teams have been working non-stop to do what we can to respond to this terrible situation," Wilson said.

Wilson said the two Madden competitors who lost their lives, Taylor Robertson and Elijah Clayton, represented the "epitome of the players and personalities at the heart of our community. Their love of competition was evident through their participation in our events over the past few years."

Wilson said EA as a company will support their families in some capacity. He also extended EA's sympathies to their loved ones, and everyone else affected by the tragedy.

The shooting took place at the first of multiple planned Madden Classic qualifying tournaments. In the wake of the shooting, Wilson said EA has canceled the remaining events as the company undertakes a "comprehensive review of safety protocols for competitors and spectators." Looking ahead, Wilson pledged to establish a "consistent level of security" at all of its competitive gaming events.

"We've all been deeply affected by what took place in Jacksonville. This is the first time we've had to confront something like this as an organization, and I believe the first time our gaming community has dealt with a tragedy of this nature," Wilson said. "Please take time to support each other through this challenging time."

You can read the full statement here on EA's website.