The Tallahassee Police Department announced on Monday that they arrested a 15-year-old who was involved in a shooting last weekend outside Florida A&M.
CBS News reports that 12 people, including six children, were injured in the shooting. 11 of the victims suffered gunshot wounds, while another suffered an ankle injury while fleeing from gunfire. The shooting took place near Florida A&M’s football stadium, where hundreds of people were celebrating the university’s homecoming weekend.
The Tallahassee Police Department revealed in a statement that 15-year-old Anthony Rivers III is facing 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent. The Tallahassee Police Department added that the investigation is still ongoing and more people could be arrested in the coming days.
“What should have been a weekend of celebration in our community instead became a night of fear and violence for the victims and their families,” said Chief of Police Lawrence Revell. “While this arrest marks a significant step forward, our work is far from over. We remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and getting answers for every family impacted by this tragedy.”
Authorities have said that “a physical altercation occurred before shots were fired” and that “the incident stemmed from a dispute between individuals known to one another.” They said that “none of the victims appear to have been the intended targets.”
Tallahassee Police added that six of the victims are still hospitalized, while five have been discharged. Three people suffered serious injuries in the shooting, with one of the hospitalized victims still being treated for critical injuries. The rest of the victims are currently in stable condition. While we don’t know the severity of the injuries for those still hospitalized, as of now, the one silver lining to this is that no one was fatally injured in the shooting.
WCTV reports that the youngest victim was 11 years old. Leon County Schools sent the outlet a statement confirming that four of their students were injured in the shooting. The district posted on social media that counselors would be available at all its schools for students who may have been impacted by the shooting.
“Our schools are a reflection of the communities they serve, and when tragedy strikes our neighborhoods, the impact is often felt in our classrooms,” LCS said. “Our hearts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.”
Florida A&M President Marva Johnson released a statement on Sunday saying that she shares in the “outrage and profound sadness at the senseless and despicable shooting” near the campus. “To all the victims, please know that we are with you and we are praying for your recovery, in body, mind and spirit,” Johnson said in a video.
Quinn Gray, FAMU’s head coach, addressed the shooting in a Facebook post, saying that this “senseless violence has to stop”
“Homecoming is about family. It’s about coming home to celebrate everything FAMU means to us,” Gray added. “No one should leave our celebration in an ambulance, and no child should ever be caught in gunfire.”
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