A violent confrontation near Florida A&M University’s Bragg Memorial Stadium left 12 people injured, including several children, as the campus community wrapped up its annual homecoming celebrations.
According to the Tallahassee Police Department, 11 of the 12 victims sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, which occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on Saturday. Authorities reported that three of the victims suffered serious injuries, while the remaining individuals have since been stabilized. Among those hurt, six are under the age of 18.
Investigators examining the sequence of events indicated that a physical altercation likely preceded the gunfire at an intersection adjacent to the stadium. Earlier in the day, the Florida A&M Rattlers had hosted the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions for the university’s traditional homecoming football game, drawing large crowds to the area.
No arrests had been reported as police continued their investigation into the violence. Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell issued a statement expressing condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
“It is especially heartbreaking to know that children are among those injured,” Revell said.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Florida A&M University utilized social media to urge students, staff, and visitors to steer clear of the affected zone. In a message posted to the platform X, the university described the shooting as taking place near the campus, reassuring the community that the campus itself remained safe.
“Our hearts are with the victims and everyone affected by tonight’s incident on Perry Street,” the university stated.
Neighboring institutions also responded to the unfolding emergency. Florida State University, located roughly a mile away from Florida A&M, issued an emergency alert regarding the violence. Officials at Florida State stated that there was no immediate indication that anyone from their school community was involved in the altercation, but nevertheless issued a precautionary advisory encouraging students, faculty, and staff in the Tallahassee area to remain indoors and stay alert.
Police have asked anyone with information or who witnessed the events leading up to the shooting to come forward as the active investigation continues.
