Teen charged as adult in Tallahassee shooting that injured 11 near FAMU stadium

Key points

• Gunfire erupted around 8 p.m. on October 24 near Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, shortly after a homecoming football game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
• Eleven people sustained gunshot wounds, including six juveniles, the youngest being 11 years old; one victim’s grandmother was also injured while fleeing.
• Anthony Rivers III was arrested on October 25 and faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent.
• State Attorney Jack Campbell confirmed that Rivers will be prosecuted as an adult and transferred from the Juvenile Assessment Center to the Leon County Detention Facility.
• Police Chief Lawrence Revell stated that none of the victims appear to have been the intended targets, suggesting the shooting resulted from a dispute between people who knew one another.
• Six victims remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition; investigators believe additional arrests may be forthcoming as the case remains active.

Background

This incident is the latest in a series of violent events involving universities and public spaces in the United States. In September 2026, a man in Vermont was convicted of attempted murder for shooting Palestinian students near the University of Vermont. Our archive from late October 2026 also documents the initial police response and public appeals for information following the Tallahassee shooting, highlighting the community's involvement in the investigation before the suspect's arrest.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post and CNN emphasize the scale of the tragedy, noting that six of the 11 gunshot victims were children, with one in critical condition. The Tallahassee Democrat provides detailed legal context, reporting that the suspect’s mother called the charges 'a lie' during a juvenile court hearing, and that the judge ordered strict no-contact provisions and monitored calls. WCTV focuses on the human impact, highlighting the injury of Tramon Jackson, a Leon High School junior-varsity football player, and the community’s support efforts, including a GoFundMe. While all outlets agree on the basic facts, the Democrat highlights the legal proceedings and the mother’s reaction, whereas the Post and CNN focus more on the police investigation and victim conditions.

Why it matters

The case underscores the severe consequences of youth violence and the legal mechanisms used to prosecute minors for serious crimes. The involvement of a 15-year-old in a mass shooting that injured children highlights ongoing concerns about gun access and community safety in urban areas. The decision to try the suspect as an adult signals a strict approach by local prosecutors to deter future violence and ensure accountability for the victims.

What to watch

The next arraignment is scheduled for November 16. Investigators continue to seek public tips and digital evidence, indicating that the case is not closed and additional arrests may occur. The suspect will remain in secure detention with monitored communications and no access to social media or unsupervised internet use.