TALLAHASSEE (Azat TV) – Twelve people, including several minors, were injured in a shooting near Florida A&M University’s Bragg Memorial Stadium, where homecoming celebrations included a football game Saturday, NBC News reported. The incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. at an intersection adjacent to the campus sports venue, shattering what should have been a celebratory atmosphere for students, alumni, and local residents gathered for the annual festivities.
The Tallahassee Police Department stated that 11 of the 12 victims suffered gunshot wounds, while one individual was injured while fleeing the chaotic scene. Authorities confirmed that three victims sustained serious injuries, including one minor who remained in serious condition following the initial medical response. The remaining victims were listed in stable condition following the late-night violence that mobilized emergency services from across the region.
Police Investigation and Suspect Details
During an early Sunday morning press conference, NBC News reported that Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell stated six of the injured victims are under 18 years old, with the youngest being 11. Revell did not identify the individual victims by name, though he noted that preliminary information indicates one of the wounded individuals is believed to be a student at Florida A&M University. Investigators believe a single shooter was involved in the altercation, which Revell described as an isolated incident between two or three individuals.
Reflecting on the immediate aftermath, Revell praised officers who ran without hesitation into the middle of the chaos without initially knowing the exact number of shooters or victims. He recounted that officers resorted to picking up victims and carrying them in their arms to transport them because emergency vehicles could not immediately penetrate the massive crowd gathered for the weekend events. As of Sunday morning, no arrests had been made and no one had been taken into custody. Police officials urged any witnesses with information about the shooting to come forward to assist with the ongoing criminal investigation as authorities work to determine what happened and bring those responsible to justice.
Campus and Community Response
Early in the evening on Saturday, NBC News noted, the Florida A&M Rattlers hosted the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions for the historically Black university’s annual homecoming game. Following the violence, the university issued a statement on X instructing campus community members to stay away from the area around Perry Street, describing the campus itself as safe while expressing deep condolences to the victims and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Nearby Florida State University, located about a mile away, also issued an emergency alert advising students, faculty, and staff to remain indoors and stay alert as a precaution. University officials stated there was no indication that anyone from their campus community was involved in the incident. Law enforcement agencies continue to review evidence and gather witness accounts as the active investigation moves forward.