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Florida student describes terrifying scenes after gunfire erupts near university stadium
A student who was near a terrifying confrontation in which 11 people, including six children, were shot after a violent altercation at Florida A&M University has revealed how he learned of the horrific incident.
The violence had allegedly escalated into gunfire near a homecoming celebration at the University in Tallahassee, with gunshots heard shortly before 8pm on a street close to Bragg Memorial Stadium, as people were leaving the football ground at the historically Black university.
Authorities release information on the shooting
According to the Tallahassee Police Department, the incident began with an altercation involving “two or three individuals” before shots were fired, with Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell saying investigators were still working to establish exactly what had happened.
“An altercation occurred between individuals,” he explained. “We do not know exactly what happened … what we do believe is that this was an isolated incident between two or three individuals.”
The youngest person injured in the shooting was just 11 years old, with one victim left in a critical condition, while three others sustained serious injuries, but as yet, no deaths have been reported.
A 12th person, described as a grandmother, was also hurt while attempting to escape the gunfire.
Chief Revell confirmed that no arrests had been made, with officers continuing to search for those believed to be responsible.
Student describes the terrifying shooting
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Witnesses described scenes of panic as crowds scattered following the sound of gunshots, with the violence unfolding as football fans began leaving the stadium.
A student at the university, Jayden Dubois, told WCTV that he had heard gunfire before seeing people rushing away from the scene following the terrifying incident.
“We heard a couple gun shots and a crowd of people running,” he revealed. “I had gotten trampled a little but but as I got up, I turned to my right and saw a person laid out on the ground.”
Despite the frightening incident, the university sought to reassure students and staff that the wider campus remained safe.
"As a precaution, students, faculty and staff in the Tallahassee area are advised to remain indoors this evening and stay alert," the university said, as cited by NBC News.
However, in a newly released statement, the Tallahassee Police Department urged members of the public to stay away from the area while officers and authorities investigated.
“Community members are encouraged to avoid the area while officers conduct their investigation,” the department wrote on Facebook.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and all those affected by this tragic incident.”