Teen Arrested in FAMU Homecoming Shooting to Face Adult Charges

Key points

• Anthony Rivers III, 15, was arrested on Sunday for 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent.
• The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, near Perry and Manatee streets, shortly after a homecoming football game.
• Twelve people were injured, including six children, with the youngest victim being 11 years old; one victim remains in critical condition.
• State Attorney Jack Campbell confirmed that Rivers will be transferred to the Leon County Detention Facility and charged as an adult.
• Police Chief Lawrence Revell stated that preliminary findings indicate a physical altercation preceded the gunfire, and additional arrests are possible.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of gun violence concerns in Tallahassee, particularly near Florida A&M University. Former FAMU football coach Willie Simmons, whose son was shot near the same area in 2021, has been a vocal advocate against gun violence since 2019. His wife, Shaia Simmons, noted that the recent shooting was deeply triggering for their family and called for local leaders to address longstanding safety concerns along Perry Street. Previous archive coverage from October 25, 2026, confirmed the initial injury count and the lack of arrests at that time.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and the Tallahassee Democrat both report that the shooting stemmed from a dispute between individuals who knew one another, with police emphasizing that none of the victims were intended targets. The Tallahassee Democrat provides specific details on the legal proceedings, noting that Rivers will be charged as an adult and that his mother disputed the charges during a juvenile court hearing. ESPN’s source was inaccessible due to a server error, offering no additional perspective. All sources agree on the core facts of the arrest and the injury count, but the Democrat offers more granular detail on the court proceedings and the prosecutor’s stance.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence in Tallahasese and the legal complexities of prosecuting juveniles in mass shooting cases. The decision to charge a 15-year-old as an adult signals a shift in how authorities are handling severe violent crimes involving minors. Additionally, the incident has reignited local debates about safety during large public events like homecoming games and the effectiveness of current gun control measures.

What to watch

The investigation remains active, and police have indicated that additional arrests are possible. Anthony Rivers III will be held in secure detention pending trial, with strict restrictions on his communication and internet access. The community is being encouraged to provide tips and evidence to the Tallahassee Police Department to help identify any other individuals involved in the incident.