FAMU Homecoming Weekend Turns Violent With 12 People Hurt

Florida A&M University’s homecoming weekend turned violent Saturday when 11 people were shot near the Tallahassee campus and another person was hurt fleeing.

Six children were among the 12 injured after the football game, with the youngest victim just 11 years old, police said.

Officers responded shortly before 8 p.m. October 24 near Perry and Manatee streets, close to the university’s Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Police said their early investigation pointed to a fight before the shooting, but detectives were still working to identify those responsible.

At their overnight news conference, authorities had announced no arrests and had not identified a person of interest, WCTV reported.

The injuries ranged in severity, with WCTV reporting one person in critical condition, three seriously hurt and eight others stable.

That account followed an earlier police statement that listed at least three victims with serious injuries and nine in stable condition.

“It is especially heartbreaking to know that children are among those injured,” Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.

Revell said he believed one victim was a FAMU student, according to WCTV, though that person’s enrollment had not been confirmed.

About two dozen officers were nearby before the shooting, and Revell said the department’s entire force was working the busy weekend.

Officers carried wounded people away from danger and helped get them to the hospital before the scene was secure, Revell said.

FAMU said its campus remained safe after the shooting and urged people to avoid the area while police investigated.

The university also encouraged anyone who knew something about the incident to share that information with Tallahassee police.

Homecoming activities had included a student aid initiative involving Gunna, whose Wunna Run Club joined Walmart in a $10,000 scholarship pledge.

The partnership tied to the October 22 homecoming 5K designated five $2,000 awards for students pursuing majors with a health component.

The police department’s Violent Crimes Unit took over the shooting investigation, with detectives gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses about what happened.

Anyone with information can reach investigators at 850-891-4200 or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.