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PAX Organizers Issue Statement on Safety Following Jacksonville Shooting
In the wake of Sunday's Madden Championship Series shooting in Jacksonville, Florida, Penny Arcade and partner ReedPOP have issued a statement regarding security for their upcoming PAX West convention.
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Penny Arcade and ReedPOP wrote that their "hearts go out" to everyone affected by the shooting, which resulted in three deaths, including the shooter's, and 11 injuries.
"The safety of our attendees, exhibitors, and staff is paramount to ReedPOP and Penny Arcade," reads the statement. "As PAX has grown in popularity, we have responded with the addition of increased private security, law enforcement, and other personnel, each of whom are on-site at all times during our events."
To ensure the effectiveness of its security protocols, the PAX team doesn't make the details publicly available. However, the statement explains that the team works "closely with the Washington State Convention Center, private security, the Seattle Police Department and federal law enforcement authorities to identify risks, assess them, and develop our comprehensive security protocols for PAX West. We have in place extensive proactive measures; some that are visible during PAX events and many that are not."
Additionally, the event organizers said they "constantly" work towards improving security plans and make adjustments as necessary to ensure "a safe and secure environment for the community."
PAX’s safety and accessibility guidelines can be found on the official PAX website.
PAX West will be held at Seattle's Washington State Convention Center from August 31 through September 3.
Nick Santangelo is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia. Follow him on Twitter.