Shooting Near FAMU Stadium Injures 12, Including Six Children, on Homecoming Night
A shooting near Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Bragg Memorial Stadium left 12 people injured, including six children, early Sunday morning. Three victims suffered serious injuries, with one of them being a minor. The youngest victim, an 11-year-old child, was among the injured. The incident occurred near the stadium where FAMU’s homecoming football game had just concluded, leaving officers to respond to the scene in a crowded area.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that the shooting was the result of an altercation involving a small group of individuals. Authorities have not publicly identified the injured victims, but Revell stated that one of the victims is believed to be a Florida A&M student. Investigators are searching for one shooter and have yet to make any arrests as of early Sunday morning.
The shooting took place on Perry Street, a busy thoroughfare near Bragg Memorial Stadium. The incident caused concern and fear among community members, particularly parents whose children were among the injured. FAMU issued a statement urging its campus community to avoid the affected area and stay indoors. Nearby Florida State University also issued an emergency alert advising students, faculty, and staff to remain indoors and stay alert.
In the moments immediately following the shooting, responding officers rushed into the scene to provide immediate assistance to the injured. Many officers carried victims to safety and transported them to the hospital. Chief Revell commended the officers for their bravery and quick action, describing their efforts as "heroic."
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Black communities, particularly near areas where young people gather. The presence of violence near a celebratory event such as homecoming underscores the pervasive nature of this problem and its impact on the Black community. Community leaders and organizers are calling for increased efforts to address the root causes of gun violence and to provide support for those affected by it.
As the investigation continues, Tallahassee police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing those responsible to justice. The resilience and strength of the community are being tested, but the call for action and solidarity is clear.
Originally reported by Bossip