Teenager Arrested After Shooting Injures 12 Near Florida A&M Football Stadium
On the evening of Saturday, October 24, 2026, a shooting near Florida A&M University’s Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, left 12 people injured, including six juveniles. The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. local time near the intersection of Perry and Manatee streets, just outside the stadium’s west fence, as crowds were dispersing following the university’s homecoming football game against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) reported that 11 victims sustained gunshot wounds, while an additional individual was injured while fleeing the scene, bringing the total number of injured to 12. Among those injured were six minors, including an 11-year-old child. At least three victims suffered serious injuries, with others reported in stable condition. No fatalities have been confirmed.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the shooting followed a physical altercation involving individuals known to one another. Police have stated that none of the victims appear to have been the intended targets of the gunfire. The precise sequence of events leading up to the shooting and the identities of all involved remain under investigation.
The incident took place off campus, though very close to university property, during homecoming weekend. Florida A&M University President Marva Johnson emphasised that the university is not the lead agency on the investigation but is providing counselling and support services to students affected by the incident.
In response to the shooting, Tallahassee police swiftly launched an investigation. On Sunday, October 25, they arrested 15-year-old Anthony Rivers III in connection with the incident. Following consultation with State Attorney Jack Campbell, Rivers was charged with 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a juvenile delinquent. Authorities credited tips from the public and digital evidence in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
Police Chief Lawrence Revell described the shooting as a tragic disruption to what should have been a community celebration. He praised officers for their immediate and courageous response, noting that they risked their own safety to provide aid to victims and ensure they were transported to hospital promptly.
The investigation remains active, with detectives continuing to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and pursue leads. Police have indicated that additional arrests are possible. To aid their efforts, the department has established a dedicated tip line and an online portal for submitting photos, videos, and information related to the shooting.
Video footage circulated on social media showed people fleeing in fear shortly after the gunfire erupted. The area was crowded with attendees leaving the homecoming game, which ended with Arkansas-Pine Bluff defeating Florida A&M 31-28. While the football game itself was not linked to the shooting, the timing and location have intensified public concern.
The community has been deeply affected, particularly given the involvement of children among the injured. Authorities have appealed for public cooperation to provide any information that might help clarify the circumstances and bring those responsible to justice. Police emphasise that no detail is too small and encourage witnesses to come forward.
As the investigation proceeds, Florida A&M University continues to focus on supporting its students and staff, providing counselling and resources to those impacted by the incident. Meanwhile, law enforcement remains committed to uncovering the full facts behind the shooting and ensuring accountability.