Full Breakdown
Shooting Near FAMU Homecoming Leaves 12 Injured; 15-Year-Old Arrested
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Saturday night, October 24, gunfire erupted just before 8 p.m. at the intersection of Perry and Manatee streets, a block behind Florida A&M University’s Bragg Memorial Stadium, moments after the Rattlers’ homecoming game. The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) reported 12 people injured—11 with gunshot wounds and one (a grandmother) hurt while fleeing. Six victims were minors, the youngest 11.
The next day, Sunday, October 25, TPD announced the arrest of Anthony Rivers III, a 15-year-old suspect. He faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent. Judge Andrew Sheeran ordered Rivers to remain in secure detention pending an adult-court hearing.
Background & Context
FAMU’s homecoming weekend draws alumni, families, and vendors to the stadium area. After the game, crowds lingered on Perry Street. Police say a physical altercation involving “individuals known to one another” preceded the shooting, and detectives believe the incident was not directed at the victims.
Key Figures & Groups
- Anthony Rivers III – 15-year-old suspect.
- Lawrence Revell – Chief, Tallahassee Police Department.
- Marva B. Johnson – President, Florida A&M University.
- Jack Campbell – State Attorney, Leon County.
- Andrew Sheeran – Leon County Circuit Judge.
- John Dailey – Tallahassee Mayor.
Data & Statistics
- Injured: 12 total (11 shot, 1 non-gun injury).
- Minors injured: 6.
- Serious injuries: 3; 1 critical.
- Hospital status (Sunday morning): 5 released, 6 remain hospitalized, 1 critical.
Official Statements & Responses
- Chief Lawrence Revell called the arrest “a significant step forward” and urged anyone with information to call the tip line 850-891-4610.
- President Marva B. Johnson condemned the “senseless and despicable” violence, affirmed the incident occurred off-campus, and pledged counseling for the FAMU community.
- Mayor John Dailey described the tragedy as “truly horrific and heartbreaking” and pledged community solidarity.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Micayla Martin, a student, said she heard a fight, moved away, and then heard gunshots “just 20 feet” away.
- Jayden Dubois, a third-year student, reported seeing a person on the ground after the shots and hearing “a couple gunshots” amid a panicked crowd.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early TPD updates (e.g., ABC News) said no arrests had been made; later updates confirmed Rivers’ arrest on October 25. Some outlets initially listed 11 injured, while the majority now report 12 injured. The exact trigger of the pre-shooting altercation remains undisclosed.
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, TPD chief
- “To our Rattler family and our surrounding Tallahassee community, I share your outrage and profound sadness at the senseless and despicable shooting that took place near our FAMU campus last night,” — Marva B. Johnson, FAMU president
Why It Matters / Impact
The shooting highlights safety challenges at large public gatherings on historically Black college campuses and has renewed debate over public-surveillance and gun access. State Attorney Campbell’s call for more cameras reflects broader concerns about evidence collection in mass-violence cases. The community’s response—counseling services, public statements of solidarity, and a surge of tip submissions—illustrates the ripple effect of a single act of gun violence during a celebration meant to unite alumni and students.