Tallahassee Police Arrest 15-Year-Old Suspect Following Homecoming Shootings
A 15-year-old suspect is in custody facing 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder after a Saturday evening shooting injured 12 people near Florida A&M University’s homecoming football game. Tallahassee Police Department officers made the arrest Monday morning following an incident that left six juveniles among the 11 individuals struck by gunfire just before 8 p.m.
Arrest and Court Appearance
The Tallahassee Police Department announced the arrest of the 15-year-old suspect Monday morning, bringing charges that include 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent. The teenager appeared in court Monday morning and was ordered to remain locked up, WCTV reported.
Police Chief Lawrence Revell addressed the community following the arrest. “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,” Revell said in a news release. “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.”
Ongoing Investigation Into the Altercation
The shooting took place on a street that runs in front of the historically black public university’s football stadium after the homecoming game concluded. Because the violence occurred just outside campus grounds, the Tallahassee Police Department retained jurisdiction as the lead investigative agency.
FAMU President Marva B. Johnson on Perry Street Incident. pic.twitter.com/FaJ4iHlHTO
A preliminary investigation by police determined that “a physical altercation occurred before shots were fired” between “individuals known to one another.” However, authorities stated that “none of the victims appear to have been the intended targets.”
Law enforcement maintained a “significantly elevated police presence” throughout the weekend. FAMU President Marva Johnson noted that local law enforcement had maintained this presence in the area surrounding campus. “I share your outrage and profound sadness at the senseless and despicable shooting that took place near our FAMU campus last night,” Johnson said in a video statement.
Political Reactions and Community Response
State and federal leaders responded to the violence as word spread across Florida. The campus had hosted several political figures just days prior, including Democratic nominee for governor David Jolly, running mate Gwen Graham, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Angie Nixon, and Democratic nominee for chief financial officer Annette Taddeo.
“To see that beautiful sense of community shattered by senseless violence is devastating, and learning that multiple victims are children is even more horrifying,” Nixon posted to social media. Republican nominee for governor U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who attended FAMU, also issued a statement regarding the tragedy. “I walked this campus as a student and cannot imagine why someone would commit such a heinous act,” Donalds wrote.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tallahassee Shootings
What charges does the suspect face?
The 15-year-old suspect faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent, according to the Tallahassee Police Department.
Our hearts are heavy with the news of last night’s shooting in Tallahassee. Laura and I are praying for the victims, all their loved ones, and the entire FAMU family.
Were any of the victims FAMU students?
Authorities have not specified the identities or student status of the victims, though police confirmed that six of the 11 individuals struck by gunfire are juveniles.
Did the shooting happen on university property?
No, the shootings were not on campus grounds, placing the investigation under the jurisdiction of the Tallahassee Police Department.
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