A shooting outside Florida A&M University’s football stadium injured 12 people, including six children, during homecoming celebrations on Saturday night, according to the Tallahassee Police Department.
The gunfire broke out shortly before 8 p.m. near the corner of Perry and Manatee streets, directly outside Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. Thousands of students, alumni and fans had converged on the area for FAMU’s annual homecoming football matchup against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions.
Authorities reported that 11 of the 12 victims suffered gunshot wounds. The 12th victim, identified by police as the grandmother of one of the wounded individuals, was hurt while trying to flee the area as shots rang out.
Victims Rushed to Hospitals
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell told reporters that the victims were split evenly between adults and minors. The youngest person wounded was 11 years old. Revell noted that responding officers rushed into the chaotic crowd and carried several victims to safety so they could receive urgent medical attention.
By Sunday morning, five victims had been discharged from medical centers, while six remained hospitalized, including one person listed in critical condition, ABC News reported. Earlier, officials had noted that at least three people suffered serious wounds. Revell also indicated that at least one of the wounded is believed to be a FAMU student, though police have not released the identities of any victims.
Investigators believe the violence began as a physical confrontation involving two or three people, after which someone pulled out a firearm and began shooting. Preliminary evidence indicates a single shooter may have been responsible, but no suspects were in custody as of Sunday.
Campus Leaders and Officials React
FAMU officials warned people to avoid the neighborhood on Saturday night, and nearby Florida State University distributed a precautionary alert advising individuals to stay indoors. On Sunday afternoon, FAMU President Marva B. Johnson released a video message addressing the tragedy, calling the shooting a –despicable and evil act.–
Johnson noted that although the shooting happened off campus property, the university is extending support to affected members of the university community, including providing free counseling services for students navigating the trauma.
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins also addressed the incident on social media, expressing sorrow for those affected and noting that the involvement of child victims made the event particularly devastating.
Investigation Continues
The Tallahassee Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is handling the investigation, reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses. Authorities urged anyone who took photos or recorded videos during the festivities to share them with law enforcement.
“We will determine what happened, identify those responsible, and get answers for all of the victims, their families and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” Revell said in a statement released Sunday, emphasizing that no detail is too small to assist detectives.
As of Sunday evening, investigators had announced no arrests, and police continued to seek leads to locate the person or persons responsible for the gunfire.
