JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman is speaking out after a shooting near Raines High School that triggered a lockdown and heightened concerns about safety in the area.
Pittman, who represents the district, said she was “very disturbed” by the violence, especially given the timing — as students were leaving school for the day.
“To hear that is happening while kids are getting out of school, we’ve got to come together,” Pittman said. “Make sure kids understand how tragic this could be.”
The shooting happened Monday afternoon on Raines Viking Way, just steps from the high school campus.
A 20-year-old man was shot multiple times and remains in critical condition, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Police said the victim is not a student, and all students and staff were reported safe.
Still, Pittman emphasized that the location and circumstances make the incident especially troubling.
“Coming down these streets and seeing the video — it’s horrifying,” she said. “It was very disturbing.”
Her concerns are heightened as the community approaches the anniversary of Rashaud Fields’ death — a Raines High School senior who was shot and killed on his graduation day in May 2022.
“Coming up on the anniversary with Rashaud Fields, so for this to happen in this space — it’s horrifying,” Pittman said.
Pittman also addressed broader concerns about violence and access to guns in the community.
“I believe guns have no place in our neighborhoods or in our schools,” she said.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by city leaders to fund community programs, Pittman said the issue goes beyond policy or investment alone.
“I don’t think it’s just the policies, because there are policies in place,” she said. “As a City Council, we come together and invest in programs for the community. So I don’t think it’s totally an investment — it’s always a matter of timing and what’s going on.”
She added that she has been working with State Rep. Wyman Duggan, who is expected to announce continued funding for programs in the area.
Ultimately, Pittman called for a united effort from across the community to address violence and protect young people.
“I’m asking parents, pastors, everybody — we’ve got to come together,” she said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said additional patrols will be present at Raines High School out of an abundance of caution. Investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat, and no arrests have been announced.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact JSO at 904-630-0500.