Jacksonville pastor plans Friendship Fountain vigil after teen violence and reported gunfire at The Avenues Mall

Weekend incident triggers renewed calls for youth intervention and coordinated community response

Jacksonville authorities are investigating a chaotic incident involving teenagers outside The Avenues Mall that prompted reports of shots fired, a large police response, and a brief wave of fear among shoppers on the city’s Southside.

Law enforcement said the disturbance began around 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, when a large group of teenagers gathered in the mall parking lot. Multiple shots were fired in the parking area, and the crowd scattered. Police searched for suspects, witnesses, and potential victims but reported no injuries and no confirmed shooting victims at the scene. Investigators said a bullet struck an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot.

By Sunday, investigators said a person of interest had been taken into custody for questioning, but no arrests had been announced publicly as the investigation continued. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Faith leaders and city officials respond with calls for mentorship and accountability

In the aftermath, Rev. Korey O’Neal, a Jacksonville pastor and the program director of Project RISE, announced plans for a public prayer vigil and community rally aimed at mobilizing mentors and expanding adult involvement in youth outreach. The gathering is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. at Friendship Fountain.

O’Neal’s stated goal is to bring together pastors, spiritual leaders, parents, and law enforcement to pursue practical steps that reduce youth violence and strengthen supervision and support for teenagers.

The selection of Friendship Fountain is tied to earlier concerns about large youth gatherings in the downtown area. O’Neal’s planned event is framed as a community-organizing effort that pairs faith-based engagement with broader partnerships.

Broader context: recurring youth gatherings and safety expectations at major public venues

City leaders also weighed in following the mall incident. A City Council member representing the district that includes The Avenues called for coordinated work among the city, law enforcement, and parents to address the behaviors and organizing patterns that bring large groups of minors to popular public locations.

The Avenues Mall issued a statement condemning the behavior and said it will continue working with law enforcement and its security team to maintain safety protocols.

Key verified details from the Feb. 14 investigation

• The incident occurred outside The Avenues Mall on Feb. 14, 2026, beginning around 5 p.m.
• Police reported multiple shots fired; no injuries were reported at the scene.
• An unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot was struck by a bullet.
• A person of interest was reported in custody for questioning; no public arrests were confirmed at that time.
• A community vigil and rally is scheduled for Feb. 19, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Friendship Fountain.

Authorities have not released a full account of what led to the gunfire, and investigators have continued seeking witnesses and information to determine responsibility and potential criminal charges.