Case Summary
- Case Type
- Homicide
- Incident Date
- Saturday
- Location
- near Florida A&M University football stadium, Tallahassee, FL
- Investigating Agency
- CBS News Crime
- Suspect
- Anthony Rivers III
- Suspect Age
- 15
- Victim Count
- 12
- Charges
- attempted second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a delinquent
- Arrest Status
- Arrested
- Case Status
- Open and active
At least 12 people, including six children, were injured in a shooting Saturday near a Florida A&M University football stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, during homecoming weekend, according to authorities.
The incident drew a massive law enforcement response from the Tallahassee Police Department as investigators worked to process the crowded scene and aid multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds and related injuries during the homecoming celebrations.
Incident Overview
According to the preliminary investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department, a fight broke out in a crowded area near the Florida A&M University campus following a football game on Saturday homecoming weekend. The verbal or physical altercation quickly escalated into gunfire, resulting in at least 12 injuries, including six children.
Eleven individuals suffered direct gunshot wounds during the chaos. Following the initial barrage of gunfire, first responders arrived to triage the wounded, transporting victims to local hospitals while university officials and law enforcement secured the surrounding area.
Timeline of Events
- Saturday: A fight breaks out in a crowded area near the Florida A&M University football stadium following a homecoming game, leading to a shooting that injures 12 people.
- Sunday: The Tallahassee Police Department releases updates noting that six victims remain hospitalized, including one in critical condition, while five have been discharged.
- Monday: Police announce the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect in connection with the shooting.
Suspect Information
Police identified the arrested suspect as Anthony Rivers III, 15. Authorities stated that Rivers is facing multiple felony charges in connection with the homecoming weekend shooting. The Tallahassee Police Department indicated that the investigation remains open and active, and additional arrests remain possible as detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Victim Information
At least 12 people were injured in the shooting, including six children. Eleven victims suffered gunshot wounds. Police reported that six of the victims remained hospitalized, with one individual receiving treatment for critical injuries, while five others had been treated and discharged. Earlier department statements indicated that at least three people sustained serious injuries while nine others were reported to be in stable condition.
Police Response
The Tallahassee Police Department responded to the scene near the university stadium following reports of gunfire, coordinating emergency medical services to treat the wounded and secure the crowded area against further violence.
Investigation
The Tallahassee Police Department is leading the active investigation into the shooting. Detectives are examining the circumstances surrounding the initial fight that preceded the gunfire and are reviewing witness accounts to determine if additional suspects were involved.
Evidence Collected
- Ballistic evidence from the shooting scene near the stadium
- Witness statements regarding the fight that preceded the gunfire
- Medical records and injury assessments from hospital staff treating the 12 victims
Arrest Details
Police announced Monday that 15-year-old Anthony Rivers III was arrested in connection with the shooting. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact location or time of the apprehension, but confirmed that the suspect is in custody facing formal charges.
Charges Filed
- Attempted second-degree murder: A felony charge alleging an intentional attempt to take a human life without premeditation, carrying significant prison sentences upon conviction.
- Possession of a firearm by a delinquent: A charge addressing the illegal possession or control of a weapon by an individual with a prior delinquency record.
Court Information
Specific court docket numbers, courtroom assignments, and upcoming hearing schedules were not immediately released by authorities in the initial news releases.
Statements from Authorities
University President Marva Johnson released a statement Sunday addressing the incident. "To all the victims, please know that we are with you and we are praying for your recovery, in body, mind and spirit," Johnson said. FAMU head coach Quinn Gray also commented on the shooting in a Facebook post, stating, "No one should leave our celebration in an ambulance, and no child should ever be caught in gunfire."
Public Safety Information
Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding the Tallahassee shooting to contact the Tallahassee Police Department or submit anonymous tips to local crime stoppers. If you or someone you know has been affected by violence, support services are available. For immediate assistance in a crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in the event of an emergency.
What Happens Next
Following an arrest in a felony case, the suspect typically undergoes an initial appearance and arraignment where formal charges are read and bail conditions are reviewed. The case will then proceed through pre-trial hearings, discovery, and potentially trial unless resolved through plea negotiations.
