TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — A Florida A&M University homecoming celebration turned into a nightmare Saturday night after gunfire erupted near the school's football stadium, leaving 12 people injured, including six children, as terrified crowds scrambled for safety.
The shocking violence unfolded on Perry Street near Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee during one of the university's biggest weekends of the year, sending police rushing to the scene and triggering an urgent warning for people to stay away from the area.
Eleven victims suffered gunshot wounds, while another person was injured while fleeing the chaos, according to authorities.
Six adults and six juveniles were among those hurt, with the youngest shooting victim reportedly just 11 years old.
At least three victims suffered serious injuries, while nine others were reported in stable condition. No fatalities had been reported in the initial police updates.
The disturbing incident erupted shortly after a physical altercation, with investigators examining whether a fight involving a small number of individuals spiraled into the terrifying burst of gunfire.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said the preliminary investigation indicated that a fight broke out before shots were fired.
Authorities have not publicly identified suspects or announced arrests, leaving investigators scrambling to establish exactly what happened and who was responsible.
The shooting struck during Florida A&M's homecoming weekend, when crowds had gathered for football-related celebrations and festivities.
Witnesses described a frightening scene as people reacted to the gunfire, with some rushing away from the area in panic.
One student told local television that he was partially trampled by the fleeing crowd and saw someone lying on the ground.
The video footage shows a chaotic nighttime scene, with people gathered near the area, emergency personnel responding and officers working amid the aftermath.
The shooting happened near Bragg Memorial Stadium, but authorities have not indicated that the university or football game itself was directly targeted.
Police have characterized the incident as an isolated shooting involving a limited number of individuals, although the investigation remains ongoing.
SIX CHILDREN AMONG THE WOUNDED
The presence of children among the victims has intensified the alarm surrounding the shooting.
Six juveniles were reportedly wounded, including an 11-year-old, turning what should have been a festive homecoming weekend into a scene of violence and fear.
Chief Revell expressed particular concern over the number of young people caught in the gunfire.
The injuries ranged from stable conditions to serious wounds, with authorities continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the victims.
Police have not released a complete account of the victims' identities or the precise sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
Florida A&M University acknowledged the shooting near its campus and expressed sympathy for those injured.
The university emphasized that the safety and security of students, faculty and staff remained its highest priority.
Officials urged people to avoid the area around Perry Street and Bragg Stadium while police investigated.
The university also reassured the community that the campus itself remained safe, stressing that the shooting occurred nearby rather than indicating an ongoing threat across the institution.
The incident nevertheless cast a dark shadow over homecoming weekend, with authorities working to determine whether the violence was connected to the celebrations.
Tallahassee police are continuing their investigation into the shooting, including the altercation that reportedly preceded the gunfire.
Investigators have not disclosed a motive, identified the suspected shooters, or announced any arrests in the initial reports.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain unclear, including what sparked the fight and how it escalated into a shooting that injured a dozen people.
Authorities are urging the public to stay clear of the affected area as officers work the scene and pursue leads.
For a university community gathered to celebrate homecoming, the violence brought a sudden and devastating interruption, and left families waiting for answers as investigators try to piece together what happened.
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