A shooting Saturday nite at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida, United States, left at least 12 persons wounded, 11 by gunfire, during the university’s homecoming weekend.
Among the injured were six adults and six kids, authorities said. At least three people were seriously injured and nine others were in stable condition, according to the Tallahassee Police Department.
The shooting happened on Perry Street, near Bragg Memorial Stadium, soon before 8 p.m. local time as throngs were gathering in the vicinity after a football game and homecoming events.
Preliminary results showed the shooting occurred after a physical fight, police added. But detectives had not established the complete circumstances surrounding the confrontation or determined a motive.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said he was concerned about the number of young people involved in the incident, and he called it especially troubling that children were among those hurt. US media reports said the youngest victim in the shooting was 11.
Authorities stated no arrests had been made as of the initial reports, and the police department’s violent crimes unit continued to investigate the event and seek for individuals responsible.
The gunshot caused Florida A&M University to issue a safety advisory, asking individuals around Bragg Memorial Stadium and Perry Street to stay away from the area as officials worked on the situation. The university stated the event happened near its campus and added it remains focused on the safety and security of students, staff and teachers.
Witness testimonies described people fleeing in fright after hearing gunshots. The event happened on one of the busiest weekends of the year at the university, when students, alumni and tourists descended on the campus for homecoming celebrations.
The shooting has rekindled worries about gun violence at public events in the United States, particularly when it endangers the safety of children and bystanders. Investigators have not yet determined if the gunshot was related to the university’s homecoming events or was an incident between individuals that escalated in a crowded place.
Police have asked for information to assist them establish what happened and identify people involved. Initial reports did not provide any further information on the victims or any arrests.
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