Case Summary
- Case Type
- Attempted Murder / Mass Shooting
- Incident Date
- October 24, 2026
- Incident Time
- 8:00 p.m.
- Location
- Perry Street and Manatee Street, near Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
- Investigating Agency
- Tallahassee Police Department
- Suspect Age
- 15
- Victim Count
- 12
- Charges
- 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder, 1 count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent
- Arrest Status
- Arrested
- Case Status
- Under investigation
A 15-year-old male was arrested after a mass shooting near Florida A&M University's Bragg Memorial Stadium injured 12 people on Saturday night, according to statements released by the Tallahassee Police Department and local reporting.
The incident took place near the intersection of Perry Street and Manatee Street in Tallahassee, Florida, during homecoming weekend events. Authorities said 11 victims suffered gunshot wounds, while an additional victim sustained an ankle injury while fleeing the gunfire.
Incident Overview
According to the Tallahassee Police Department, the shooting broke out at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Saturday near Perry and Manatee streets, in close proximity to Bragg Memorial Stadium where university homecoming celebrations were taking place. Preliminary investigative findings indicate that a physical dispute broke out among several individuals who were acquainted with one another prior to the discharge of firearms.
Chief of Police Lawrence Revell stated that initial evidence indicates none of the gunshot victims were the intended targets of the shooter. The gunfire created widespread panic among crowd members attending nearby festivities, resulting in multiple injuries as bystanders scrambled to seek safety.
Timeline of Events
- Saturday, approximately 8:00 p.m.: A physical dispute among known individuals escalates into gunfire near Perry and Manatee streets near Bragg Memorial Stadium.
- Saturday evening: Florida A&M University issues an emergency advisory via social media directing students and local residents to avoid the Perry Street area.
- Sunday: Detectives with the Tallahassee Police Department locate and arrest the 15-year-old male suspect in connection with the shooting.
- Monday morning: Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell publicly announces the arrest and details the pending criminal charges during a news briefing.
Suspect Information
Authorities have not publicly identified the 15-year-old male suspect due to his status as a juvenile. Police confirmed he faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder alongside one count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent. Additional suspect information, including prior record or residency details, was not released by law enforcement agencies.
Victim Information
A total of 12 people sustained injuries during the event. Police reported that 11 individuals suffered gunshot wounds of varying severity, and at least one person suffered a traumatic ankle injury while attempting to flee the scene. Authorities noted that minors were among those injured in the gunfire. In accordance with privacy policies regarding crime victims and minors, official names and individual medical conditions have not been released.
Police Response
Tallahassee Police Department officers dispatched to the area of Perry and Manatee streets immediately secured the scene, rendered emergency medical assistance, and coordinated with local emergency medical services to transport injured persons to nearby medical facilities. Law enforcement secured the immediate perimeter surrounding the stadium to maintain public safety during the ongoing homecoming festivities.
Investigation
The Tallahassee Police Department is leading the active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Detectives are conducting interviews with witnesses, evaluating physical evidence from the scene, and reviewing available surveillance footage. Chief Revell indicated that the investigation remains ongoing and that investigators have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests or secondary charges as more evidence is processed.
Arrest Details
Detectives with the Tallahassee Police Department apprehended the 15-year-old suspect on Sunday following investigative leads developed shortly after the incident. Details regarding the exact location or circumstances of the arrest were not disclosed by police officials.
Charges Filed
The suspect faces several formal criminal allegations under Florida law:
- Attempted Second-Degree Murder (11 counts): Under Florida statutory law, attempted second-degree murder is classified as a first-degree felony. It involves committing an overt act intended to cause the death of another person without lawful justification, executed with a depraved mind regardless of human life, but without premeditated design. In cases where multiple individuals are struck or threatened by dangerous actions such as indiscriminate gunfire, individual counts may be filed for each person exposed to mortal danger. Conviction on a first-degree felony of this nature carries severe legal penalties, including potential multi-decade prison sentences or life imprisonment depending on firearm discharge enhancements under state law.
- Possession of a Firearm by a Delinquent (1 count): Under Florida law, it is illegal for a juvenile who has been adjudicated delinquent or who is under a specific statutory restriction to knowingly possess, hold, or carry a firearm or concealed weapon. This charge constitutes a felony offense aimed at preventing unauthorized youth possession of dangerous weapons. Penalties associated with this offense can include secure juvenile detention, formal probation, or adult criminal penalties if the case is transferred to adult circuit court.
Court Information
Initial proceedings for juvenile offenses in Florida are conducted within the Unified Family Court or Juvenile Division of the Second Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Leon County. Because the accused is 15 years old, state statutes require a mandatory detention hearing within 24 hours of arrest to determine whether secure detention is warranted pending formal filing decisions by the State Attorney's Office.
Under Florida law, prosecutors possess statutory discretion, and in certain felony cases involving firearm violence, a grand jury indictment or direct file authorization can transfer a 15-year-old suspect's case from juvenile court to the adult criminal division. Specific court docket numbers and upcoming hearing schedules have not yet been released in public court filings.
Statements from Authorities
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell delivered official remarks regarding the arrest during a Monday morning briefing:
"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," Revell said. "While this arrest marks a significant step forward, our work is far from over. We remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and getting answers for every family impacted by this tragedy."
Chief Revell also highlighted preliminary investigative findings: "At this stage of the investigation, none of the victims appear to have been the intended targets."
Florida A&M University issued an official public statement following the incident: "Our hearts are with the victims and everyone affected by tonight's incident on Perry Street." University officials assured the public that while the shooting occurred near campus grounds, the university campus itself remained secure.
Public Safety Information
Members of the public who possess information, photo evidence, or video recordings regarding the Perry Street shooting are encouraged to contact the Tallahassee Police Department at 850-891-4200 or report anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. Anyone facing immediate danger or reporting active emergency situations should dial 911 immediately.
What Happens Next
Following the initial arrest, the Leon County State Attorney's Office will review the police findings to determine formal charges and evaluate whether to prosecute the suspect within the juvenile system or petition for direct filing into adult criminal court. If transferred to adult court, the case will proceed through formal arraignment, preliminary discovery motions, and pre-trial hearings in the Second Judicial Circuit Court. The ongoing investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department may lead to further witness interviews or additional arrests as law enforcement continues analyzing evidence collected from the scene.
