Twelve people, including six minors, were injured in a shooting near Florida A&M University’s Bragg Memorial Stadium on Saturday night, Oct. 24, following the school’s homecoming football game, authorities said. The shooting occurred shortly before 8 p.m. near Perry and Manatee streets, hours after Florida A&M hosted the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
According to the Tallahassee Police Department, 11 of the victims suffered direct gunshot wounds, while six of those hurt were juveniles, with the youngest aged just 11 years old. Five patients were treated and released by Sunday morning, while six remained hospitalized, including one individual in critical condition.
Preliminary details released by law enforcement indicate that an argument between a small group of individuals escalated into violence amidst heavy crowds. Responding emergency crews faced significant logistical challenges navigating through the dense gathering of attendees, prompting some officers to physically carry wounded victims out of the immediate danger zone to access waiting ambulances.
In a public statement addressing the tragedy, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell reflected on the emotional impact of the evening, stating, “Tonight, our thoughts are with the victims and their families as they face the devastating impact of this violence”. Revell added that “It is especially heartbreaking to know that children are among those injured”.
In the aftermath, Florida A&M University administrators reassured the community via social media that the immediate campus perimeter was secure, while urging students and visitors to avoid the surrounding investigation area. The police department’s Violent Crimes Unit has assumed lead control over the ongoing investigation, reviewing available surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. As of Sunday afternoon, investigators have not formally named a suspect or announced any arrests in connection with the shooting.
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