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Plymouth shooting

Coordinates: 50°23′27″N 4°10′15″W / 50.39083°N 4.17083°W / 50.39083; -4.17083
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Plymouth shooting
Map
LocationKeyham, Plymouth, Devon, UK
Coordinates50°23′27″N 4°10′15″W / 50.39083°N 4.17083°W / 50.39083; -4.17083
Date12 August 2021
18:11 (BST)
Attack type
Mass murder, mass shooting, murder-suicide
WeaponsShotgun
Deaths6 (including the perpetrator)
Injured2
VictimsResidents of Keyham
PerpetratorJake Davison
MotiveUndetermined

The Plymouth shooting was a mass murder in the Keyham area of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom, on 12 August 2021. Six people were killed, including the gunman, and two others were injured. It was the first fatal mass shooting in the UK since the Cumbria shootings of 2010.

Background

Mass shootings are very rare in the United Kingdom. It is necessary to have either a shotgun certificate (SGC) or a Firearms Certificate (FAC) legally to own most classes of permitted firearms; in Great Britain,[a] certificates are granted by the local policing authority. For an FAC, the applicant must demonstrate a good reason for owning the particular firearm, as well as having certified secure storage, while an SGC only requires the latter; both types of certificate require a background check.[1]

The previous fatal mass shooting in the UK was in Cumbria in 2010, when a gunman with two licensed firearms killed 12 people.[2]

Shooting and emergency response

Henderson Place, the street where the shooting ended (pictured in 2010)

At 18:11 BST (UTC+1) on 12 August 2021, Jake Davison, described as being dressed in "grey and black", opened fire with what witnesses described as a pump-action shotgun inside a house on Biddick Drive, a residential street in the Keyham area of Plymouth, Devon, firing four rounds and killing his 51-year-old mother.[3][4][5][6][7] He then left the house and shot and killed a 3-year-old girl and her 43-year-old father in the street. Next, he injured a 33-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman on Biddick Drive, before shooting and killing a 59-year-old man in nearby parkland. Davison then went to Henderson Place, where he shot and fatally wounded a 66-year-old woman; telling a passing resident that there was "nothing to worry about mate", being described as "walking like [he] was on patrol, like a soldier with a gun" and a "blank expression", before shortly killing himself with the same gun outside a local hairdresser, metres away from his final shooting nearby, at 18:23.[8][9][10][11][12][13][14]

G-DAAN, one of the air ambulances that attended the scene[15] (pictured in 2013)

Devon and Cornwall Police and the South Western Ambulance Service were alerted to the incident at 18:11 and 18:12, respectively.[8][15] The ambulance service responded with a significant number of resources, including hazardous area response teams, ambulances, four air ambulances, doctors, and senior paramedics.[15][16][17] The responding police officers attended the scene within six minutes of the emergency calls, and found the bodies of Davison and four of the victims.[5] They described the events as a "serious firearms incident" and established thirteen different scenes within the cordoned area.[3][18]

The woman shot in Henderson Place was treated at the scene for gunshot wounds but later died in Derriford Hospital.[8][19] The two survivors received significant but non-life-threatening injuries.[11] At 21:34, the police reported they believed the incident to be contained.[20]

Perpetrator

The gunman was named by police as Jake Davison.[21] He was a 22-year-old apprentice crane operator at security and defence company Babcock International.[22][5][23] Davison was known to family members as having ADHD.[24] He was a regular at the Shetland Islands, a remote destination in the UK, where he spent long periods of time with his family - and where initial concerns were raised about his mental state. A close source to the family said "Jake had suffered from mental health issues for most of his life and he had deteriorated recently" and "[...] his mum was begging for help from the authorities but nobody did a welfare check".[25]

The chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Shaun Sawyer, said that Davison's motive was unknown, and that police were not considering terrorism but they were keeping an open mind. He said police believed the shooting was a "domestic incident [that] spilled into the streets".[8]

Davison had been licensed to own a firearm since 2018, and police believe his legally-held shotgun was the firearm used in the shooting.[23][26] Following Devon and Cornwall Police's self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the IOPC are investigating the service's previous dealings with Davison and its decision to grant a firearms licence.[27] Police had removed Davison's shotgun and licence in December 2020 following an assault allegation described as "a row with two youths", but returned them in early July 2021, a month before the killings, after completing an anger management course.[28][29][30]

Davison uploaded to his YouTube channel, named 'Professor Waffle',[31] videos which frequently included references to "inceldom", the black pill ideology and general nihilism,[32][33] was accompanied by posting misogynist and homophobic views on various forums whilst utilising Reddit to openly express hostility and resentment towards his mother, Maxine Davison, who had repeatedly attempted to personally get, and persuade him to receive, treatment for purported mental health issues.[34][4] His channel was subscribed to an account named IncelTV, and other clips of his videos contained further references to - and using terminology of - such community; in one discussing "missing out on a teenage romance" and refers to "Chads", saying further that: "I'm not advocating this, but if I have to I might even try and use drugs to make up for it, maybe cocaine fuelled sex or something, maybe that can make up for that missed teenage experience." and "The reality is, love is for the young, and I know I'm still somewhat young and I hope I can make up for it, but I have a feeling like I missed that boat and it's never coming back."[35]

Davison's Reddit account was active in both Incel and gun enthusiast subreddits, and had made multiple replies to previous posts on both forums.[36][37] His account would be suspended a day before the shooting in violation of Reddit's Terms of Service in relation to an accused incident of making inappropriate comments to a sixteen-year-old female American user, whom he had initially been friendly with and discussed Davison seeking a relationship, before the conversation soured and he began to repeatedly ask to have sex with her. According to the report, the girl complained that he had asked her “multiple times” to “date/travel to see him/have sex with him” and said he made comments about how sex with someone of her age is acceptable because "it is legal for a man to sleep with a 16-year-old female in Britain." Various users urged her to report him to the police, however she wrote that she did not know what to do and had been advised “not to get involved” by her mother.[38]

Davison's mother had begun to argue with her son over his deeply sexist views and diatribes on women in the months before the shooting. A neighbour said: "Maxine and Jake used to be close [...] but then his views changed and he went against women and he became a misogynist [...] they clashed a lot about that." In addition, Davison recently had a physical confrontation with his father before the shooting.[39]

Both Davison's Facebook and YouTube accounts were terminated in accordance with the site's Dangerous Individuals and Organizations policy, and for having violated the offline behaviour policy.[40]

Reactions

An evening vigil was held on 13 August at North Down Crescent Park in Keyham.[41] Flags in the city were flown at half-mast, and Smeaton's Tower was lit up that evening as a mark of respect.[42] Books of condolence were made available in several locations, along with an online book on the website of Plymouth City Council.[43] Several memorials were placed at areas close to the crime scenes, where flowers and cards were laid, as well as further impromptu vigils being held by residents.[44]

Footnotes

  1. ^ Within the United Kingdom, regulations for shotgun and firearms ownership in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) differ from those in Northern Ireland[1]

References

  1. ^ a b "Plymouth shooting: Who can own a firearm or shotgun in the UK?". BBC News. 13 August 2021. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  2. ^ Picheta, Rob; Kent, Lauren. "Five dead and suspect killed after 'devastating' shooting in England". CNN. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  3. ^ a b BBC Radio Devon [@BBCDevon] (12 August 2021). "BREAKING: Police confirm: 'serious firearms incident' Biddick Drive, Keyham ..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  4. ^ a b Weaver, Matthew; Morris, Steven (13 August 2021). "Plymouth gunman: a hate-filled misogynist and 'incel'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  5. ^ a b c Hamilton, Fiona; Brown, David; Swinford, Steven; Charters, Cameron (13 August 2021). "Six dead after Plymouth mass shooting". The Times. Archived from the original on 12 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  6. ^ "Plymouth shootings: Man who comforted victim describes coming face to face with gunman Jake Davison". Sky News. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  7. ^ Merrifield, Ryan; Walker, William (12 August 2021). "Child among six people confirmed dead after gunman opens fire in Plymouth". mirror. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  8. ^ a b c d "Plymouth shooting: Gunman's victims included 'very young girl'". BBC News. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  9. ^ Sawer, Patrick; Gardner, Bill (12 August 2021). "Plymouth shooting: Everything we know as police confirm six dead in Keyham". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  10. ^ Thomas, Natalie (13 August 2021). "In rare British mass shooting, gunman kills five, including 3-year-old girl". Reuters. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  11. ^ a b Grierson, Jamie; Weaver, Matthew (13 August 2021). "Three-year-old girl among victims of Plymouth shooting". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  12. ^ Hamilton, Fiona; Brown, David; Swinford, Steven; Charters, Cameron. "Mother of Plymouth gunman first to die in rampage that killed six". The Times. Archived from the original on 12 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  13. ^ Sawer, Patrick; Hardy, Jack; McTaggart, India (13 August 2021). "Plymouth shooting: the 12 minutes of mayhem that left five dead before killer turned shotgun on himself". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  14. ^ "Plymouth shootings: Man who comforted victim describes coming face to face with gunman Jake Davison". Sky News. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  15. ^ a b c "Emergency services respond to incident in Keyham in Plymouth". BBC News. 12 August 2021. Archived from the original on 12 August 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  16. ^ "Plymouth shooting: Suspected gunman and five others die". BBC News. 12 August 2021. Archived from the original on 12 August 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  17. ^ Dodd, Vikram; Campbell, Lucy; Morris, Steven (12 August 2021). "Plymouth shooting: six dead, including a child, after armed man opens fire". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 12 August 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  18. ^ "Public Portal". mipp.police.uk. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  19. ^ "6 people killed, including suspected shooter, in southwest England, police say". Chicago Tribune. 12 August 2021. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2021 – via Associated Press.
  20. ^ Devon and Cornwall Police [@DC_Police] (12 August 2021). "Tweet 2 of 4. There have been a number of fatalities..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  21. ^ "Plymouth shooting: Jake Davison named as gunman who killed five". BBC News. 13 August 2021. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  22. ^ "Plymouth gunman Jake Davison said 'I am a terminator' in final YouTube video before rampage". The Telegraph. 13 August 2021. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  23. ^ a b Dodd, Vikram; Grierson, Jamie; Morris, Steven; Weaver, Matthew; Topping, Alexandra (13 August 2021). "Plymouth shooting: police reinstated gunman's firearms licence last month". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 August 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ^ "Plymouth killer had clashed with mother and first victim Maxine Davison over his extreme views". www.msn.com. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  25. ^ Hamilton, Jane; Shaw, Neil (13 August 2021). "Plymouth gunman spent time on remote island with his family". HullLive. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  26. ^ "Update to Keyham shooting investigation". Devon and Cornwall Police.
  27. ^ Lyons, Izzy; Sawer, Patrick; Gardner, Bill; Dixon, Hayley (13 August 2021). "Plymouth shooting: gunman Jake Davison murdered his mother before killing three-year-old girl". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  28. ^ Coles, Amy (14 August 2021). "Plymouth shooting: Devon and Cornwall Police to be investigated over Jake Davison's shotgun licence". Sky News. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  29. ^ Dixon, Hayley; Lyons, Izzy; Hymas, Charles; Gardner, Bill (13 August 2021). "The Plymouth 'incel' killer was given back his gun licence last month". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  30. ^ Houghton, Steve (14 August 2021). "Plymouth killer went on anger course to get gun back". HullLive. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  31. ^ Plymouth gunman Jake Davison says 'I am a terminator' in final YouTube video before death, retrieved 15 August 2021
  32. ^ "Plymouth shooting suspect Jake Davison liked gun videos and talked about 'incel' in weeks before attack". Sky News. 13 August 2021. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  33. ^ "Plymouth shooting: Jake Davison liked gun videos and talked about 'incel' in weeks before attack". Sky News. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  34. ^ Houghton, Steve (14 August 2021). "Plymouth killer went on anger course to get gun back". HullLive. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  35. ^ "Plymouth shooting: Jake Davison liked gun videos and talked about 'incel' in weeks before attack". Sky News. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  36. ^ "Plymouth 'shooter' spoke about being the 'Terminator' online". uk.finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  37. ^ "Plymouth shooting: Jake Davison liked gun videos and talked about 'incel' in weeks before attack". Sky News. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  38. ^ Bird, Steve (14 August 2021). "Reddit suspended Jake Davison's account the day before shooting after he harassed 16-year-old girl". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  39. ^ "Plymouth killer had clashed with mother and first victim Maxine Davison over his extreme views". www.msn.com. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  40. ^ "Plymouth shooting live updates: Six dead and suspect named as 22-year-old Jake Davison as police give details of 'traumatic' killings". Sky News. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  41. ^ Phillips, Alexa (13 August 2021). "Plymouth shooting: Mother of gunman Jake Davison named among five victims". Sky News. Retrieved 13 August 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  42. ^ "Plymouth shooting: Gunman shot own mother then a dad and daughter". BBC News. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  43. ^ Hayhurst, Claire (13 August 2021). "Support offered to those affected by mass shooting in Plymouth". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 13 August 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  44. ^ Watson, Eve (14 August 2021). "City still in mourning after tragic shooting". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
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