Full Breakdown
Teen Charged as Adult in Florida A&M Homecoming Shooting
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Shooting Near FAMU Homecoming and Subsequent Arrest
On October 24, gunfire erupted on Perry Street, adjacent to Bragg Memorial Stadium, shortly after Florida A&M University’s homecoming football game. Tallahassee Police say a physical altercation between individuals who knew each other preceded the shooting and that none of the victims were intended targets. The suspect, Anthony Rivers III, 15, was arrested the following day and, on October 26, a judge ordered him to remain in secure detention while the case proceeds. He faces eleven counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent.
Background & Context
FAMU’s homecoming week draws tens of thousands of alumni, students and visitors. The 2026 game ended in a 31-28 loss to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The shooting follows two prior mass-shooting incidents in Tallahassee (2022 liquor-store shooting and the 2025 Florida State University shooting).
Key Figures & Groups
- Anthony Rivers III — 15-year-old suspect, charged as an adult.
- Lawrence Revell — Tallahassee Police Chief.
- Jack Campbell — State Attorney for Leon County.
- Marva Johnson — President of Florida A&M University.
- Tallahassee Police Department — Investigating agency.
Timeline
- September 6 – Rivers was arrested for probation violation and sentenced to a juvenile home.
- October 24 – Shooting occurs near Bragg Memorial Stadium.
- October 25 – Six victims remain hospitalized, one in critical condition.
- October 26 – Rivers appears before Judge Andrew Sheeran, who orders detention and adult prosecution.
- June 8, 2027 (scheduled) – Trial date set for Rivers.
Data & Statistics
- Injured: Reports cite either 11 people shot plus one ankle injury, or 12 injured total; six victims are minors, the youngest 11.
- Charges: 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder; 1 count of firearm possession by a delinquent.
- Crowd size: Approximately 20,000 attended the homecoming game.
Official Statements & Responses
Police noted ambulances could not reach the scene because of the dense crowd and officers had to carry victims to safety. State Attorney Campbell said the adult prosecution rests on the “severity of the offence.” University President Johnson condemned the “senseless and despicable” violence, affirmed campus safety, and pledged counseling for the community. The police department thanked residents for video evidence that aided the investigation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Number injured: Most outlets cite 11 people shot and one ankle injury, totaling 12 injured; some reports list 12 injured without distinction.
- Connection to the game: Authorities have not confirmed whether the altercation was linked to the homecoming celebration, and no motive has been publicly established.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What should have been a weekend of celebration in our community instead became a night of fear and violence for the victims and their families,” — Lawrence Revell
- “To all the victims, please know that we are with you and we are praying for your recovery, in body, mind and spirit,” — Marva Johnson
What’s Next
The case will proceed to trial on June 8, 2027, as scheduled by the Leon County circuit court. Tallahassee Police continue to solicit tips via a dedicated hotline (850-891-4610) and an online evidence portal, stating that the investigation remains active.