Gunfire Erupts After Tennessee State University Homecoming Event, Leaving One Dead and Nine Injured

In a tragic turn of events, a shooting broke out near Tennessee State University on Saturday, resulting in the death of one man and injuring nine others, including three children. The incident occurred around 5:10 p.m. as crowds from earlier homecoming festivities began to disperse, police reported.

Violence Strikes After Festivities

The homecoming parade, which had brought a celebratory atmosphere to the area, ended in chaos as two groups exchanged gunfire across Jefferson Street, just off the university’s campus. Nashville police spokesperson Don Aaron confirmed that shell casings were found on both sides of the street, indicating that shots were fired from multiple directions.

“Unfortunately, a few folks ruined it for everybody,” Metro Nashville Police Commander Anthony McClain stated. According to McClain, the gunfire did not seem to be directly linked to the official Tennessee State University events, which included a parade and other activities earlier in the day. The university’s football game was held at Nissan Stadium, away from the shooting site.

Casualties and Immediate Response

A 24-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, and among the injured were two 12-year-olds and a 14-year-old, all of whom are expected to survive their non-critical injuries, Aaron added. Police believe some of the individuals who were shot may have been involved in the exchange of gunfire.

Authorities responded quickly, as police officers and firefighters were already present at the event. Some firefighters who had attended the festivities provided emergency medical care by using belts as makeshift tourniquets to stop the bleeding of the wounded. “Our personnel recounted some moments where they ripped off their belts and did things like use those as tourniquets,” Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney said.

Witnesses Recount the Chaos

Attendees who had gathered for the homecoming festivities were caught off guard by the sudden eruption of violence. Jashawna Rucker, a recent high school graduate, was among those present. “I thought it was fireworks at first,” she told local news. “And everybody was running, and I started running. I thank God it wasn’t me.”

Investigations Underway

Police are still working to identify the shooters and determine how many were involved. Some of the hospitalized victims are known to police from past incidents, and authorities are reviewing footage from an aerial police camera that may provide further insight into the shooting.

Despite the heavy police presence at the event, the violence erupted unexpectedly, catching everyone off guard. “Just a handful of people, a minimal number of people, besmirched the celebration,” Aaron said, expressing disappointment over the tragic disruption.

Community Reacts to the Violence

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell condemned the senseless act of violence, highlighting the stark contrast between the earlier festive atmosphere and the chaos that ensued. “What was a joyous atmosphere is tonight very different because of a senseless act of violence carried out by people who didn’t care who else might be caught in the crossfire,” the mayor wrote on social media.

As investigators continue to piece together the events leading to the shooting, the community mourns the loss of life and the injuries sustained in what was meant to be a day of celebration for Tennessee State University. However, amidst the grief, there is a strong sense of resilience as the community stands together in the face of tragedy.