Eleven people were shot in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday, Oct. 24, near the Florida A&M University campus. Six of the wounded are children, the youngest of them just 11 years old. One person is in critical condition, and at least three others suffered serious injuries. A twelfth person was injured while fleeing the scene. According to police, the shooting was preceded by an argument among several people. No arrests have been made so far.
The incident took place shortly before 8 p.m. local time on Perry Street, near Bragg Memorial Stadium. A few hours earlier, a college football game had ended at the stadium as part of the university’s homecoming celebrations, in which the Florida A&M Rattlers lost to the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions 28-31. Many people attending the event were in the area, leaving the stadium and nearby gathering spots. It has not yet been determined whether the shooting was directly related to the game or the university festivities.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell told a news conference that, according to preliminary findings, a conflict between two or three people escalated into a shooting.
“There was an altercation between individuals. We don’t know exactly what happened, but we believe it was an isolated incident,” he said.
About 24 officers were at the scene at the time, providing security for the homecoming events. Officers immediately rushed to help the victims, and carried some of the wounded out of the crowded area so they could be taken to hospitals.
Officers are still working to determine who fired the shots and what led to the conflict. The wounded likely include at least one Florida A&M University student. Police also confirmed that the grandmother of one of the shooting victims was injured while fleeing the gunfire.
According to information released Sunday morning, five of those shot have already left the hospital, while six remained hospitalized. One of them was still listed in critical condition. Police did not report any fatalities.
Florida A&M University officials issued a statement assuring the public that the campus itself remains safe. At the same time, they asked students and residents to avoid the area of the shooting until emergency crews finish their work.
“Our hearts are with the victims and everyone affected by this tragic event,” the university said.
Editor: JŁ
