Gunfire at FAMU Homecoming Wounds 12, Including Six Children, in Tallahassee

Key points

• Twelve people were injured in the shooting, with eleven sustaining gunshot wounds and one injured while fleeing.
• Six of the injured are juveniles, including an 11-year-old, and one victim is a FAMU student.
• The shooting occurred just before 8 p.m. ET near Perry and Manatee streets, shortly after a homecoming football game.
• Police Chief Lawrence Revell described the event as an isolated incident stemming from a physical altercation between two or three people.
• No suspects have been identified or arrested, and the investigation remains ongoing with forensic teams combing the scene.

Background

Tallahassee has experienced several high-profile shootings in recent years, including incidents at Florida State University in 2025 and 2022. Violence has also occurred during homecoming celebrations at other historically Black colleges, such as Tuskegee University in 2024 and Albany State University in 2024. Florida A&M University is a historically Black university with nearly 10,000 students, and homecoming is one of its largest annual events.

How outlets are covering it

USA TODAY and The Guardian emphasize the emotional impact on the community, quoting Police Chief Lawrence Revell’s description of the event as 'heartbreaking' and 'devastating.' CNN and NBC News focus on the logistical challenges faced by first responders, noting that officers had to carry victims due to the dense crowd. All sources agree on the core facts: 12 injured, 6 juveniles, and a suspected altercation as the cause. USA TODAY highlights the broader context of Tallahassee’s recent violence, while NBC News notes that Florida State University issued a precautionary alert despite no direct involvement.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at historically Black colleges and universities during large public events. The presence of children among the victims underscores the vulnerability of community gatherings. The lack of immediate arrests and the complexity of the scene reflect challenges in responding to mass shootings in crowded urban areas.

What to watch

The Tallahassee Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit will continue investigating the shooting. Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward with information. The university has advised the public to avoid the area near Bragg Memorial Stadium and Perry Street while the investigation proceeds. No suspects have been identified, and the motive remains under review.