Gun Violence in Jacksonville: A Crisis Affecting Black and Latino Children

In the heart of Jacksonville, Florida, a tragic event unfolded in March when 2-year-old A’mahri Robinson was shot in the head while nestled in his mother’s arms. His mother, Ladonna Johnson, had been soothing him to sleep when the unexpected violence struck. A’mahri was described as a loving child who enjoyed outdoor adventures, especially rides in his wagon.

The gun that took his life belonged to Steven Dodson Jr., Johnson’s boyfriend, who inadvertently shot A’mahri during a heated argument. Dodson, aged 21, has since pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated child abuse, receiving a life sentence for his actions.

The tragedy highlights a grim reality in Jacksonville, a city grappling with one of the highest rates of gun violence affecting children in the nation. An exclusive analysis by KFF Health News and The Trace reveals that over the years, hundreds of children in Florida have been hospitalized due to firearm injuries, predominantly from a select few ZIP codes that are heavily populated by Black and Latino families.

From 2018 to 2024, more than 4,000 children under the age of 18 were hospitalized for gunshot wounds, averaging approximately 1.5 cases daily. This alarming trend is mirrored in the community, where the Families of Slain Children nonprofit has constructed the "Wall of Compassion" to memorialize the victims of gun violence, listing hundreds of names.

Research indicates that the neighborhoods most affected by gun violence in Jacksonville are often racially segregated, a legacy of systemic discrimination from earlier decades. These areas continue to struggle with high poverty rates, pollution, and neglect, which local officials have failed to address effectively.

Dr. Firas Madbak, chief of acute care surgery at UF Health Jacksonville, witnesses the consequences of this violence firsthand, stating, "You see it day in and day out." His hospital is one of the few Level I trauma centers in northeastern Florida, underscoring the urgent need for improved public health measures to combat this crisis.

Despite the increasing toll of gun violence, state and local leaders have been criticized for their lack of action. Dr. Jeffrey Goldhagen, a pediatrician and former health director for Duval County, expressed frustration over the negligence toward addressing the root causes of firearm injuries, such as poverty and lack of opportunity. He remarked, "The bottom line is nobody gives a flying f— about these young men."

Gun violence not only leads to physical injuries but also contributes to severe mental health issues like depression and PTSD among survivors and their families. Yet, the Florida Department of Health has not prioritized gun violence as a public health concern, even as it becomes the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the state.

In response to the rising death toll, some local officials, like Council member Jimmy Peluso, have acknowledged the neglect faced by communities suffering from high rates of gun violence. He pointed out that these neighborhoods have been left behind as wealth has dissipated.

Governor Ron DeSantis has resisted calls for stricter gun control, viewing proposals for regulations like universal background checks as unconstitutional. His administration has instead promoted more permissive gun laws, leading to concerns about their impact on youth safety.

As gun violence continues to plague Jacksonville, advocates like Jean Francis from Moms Demand Action emphasize the dire need for stronger firearm laws. Research correlates lenient gun policies with increased pediatric gun deaths, highlighting the urgent need for legislative change to protect future generations.

Source: kffhealthnews.org