How it happened: Everything you need to know about the shooting and chaos that left 12 injured

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — October 25, 2026. A night of celebration turned into chaos near Florida A&M University on Saturday when gunfire erupted close to Bragg Memorial Stadium, leaving 12 people injured, including six children.

The shooting occurred during the university’s homecoming weekend, shortly after a football game had brought large crowds to the area.

According to Tallahassee police, 11 people suffered gunshot wounds, while another person was injured while trying to escape the scene.

The youngest victim is just 11 years old.

How Did the Shooting Begin?

Police responded shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday, October 24, to reports of gunfire near the intersection of Perry Street and Manatee Street, close to FAMU’s Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Investigators believe a physical confrontation involving two or three individuals may have occurred before shots were fired.

However, authorities have not established exactly what triggered the violence or who was responsible.

The gunfire caused panic in the crowded area as people attempted to get away from the danger.

One person was injured while fleeing, bringing the total number of injured people to 12.

Police have not confirmed whether the confrontation was connected to the university’s homecoming celebrations or the football game.

Six Children Among the Injured

Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that six adults and six minors were injured.

Eleven victims were wounded by gunfire.

According to the latest police briefing, three victims suffered serious injuries, including one person reported to be in critical condition. The remaining eight victims were reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.

At least one of those injured is believed to be a Florida A&M University student.

The identities of the victims have not been publicly released.

Police Officers Rushed to Help Victims

Officers were already deployed throughout the area because of the large crowds attending homecoming events.

Chief Revell said approximately two dozen officers were nearby when the shooting occurred.

Police immediately responded, helping victims reach safety and transporting injured people for emergency medical treatment.

The police chief praised the officers who assisted victims before the scene was fully secured.

University Issues Emergency Warning

Following the shooting, Florida A&M University issued an alert advising people to avoid the area near Perry Street and Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Those nearby were instructed to shelter in place while police responded.

The university later stated that its campus remained safe.

Florida State University, located nearby, also issued a precautionary alert to its community.

The shooting occurred near FAMU, but authorities have not confirmed that the university or its football game was directly connected to the violence.

Have Police Arrested Anyone?

As of Sunday morning, October 25, Tallahassee police had not announced any arrests or publicly identified suspects.

Investigators were working to determine what happened during the confrontation that apparently preceded the shooting.

Police Chief Revell indicated that investigators believed the violence was an isolated incident, although the circumstances remained under investigation.

Authorities have asked witnesses and anyone with video recordings or information to contact the Tallahassee Police Department.

A Celebration Overshadowed by Violence

The shooting came during one of the university’s busiest weekends of the year.

FAMU had hosted the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions earlier Saturday, with the visitors winning 31–28.

Homecoming weekend traditionally brings students, alumni, families and visitors together for sporting events and celebrations.

Instead, the night ended with multiple people hospitalized and a community seeking answers.

The involvement of children has made the incident particularly disturbing.

What Happens Next?

Detectives are continuing to review evidence, interview witnesses and investigate the events leading up to the shooting.

Several major questions remain unanswered: Who fired the shots? What caused the initial confrontation? How many people were involved? And was the violence connected in any way to the homecoming activities?

Police have not yet provided definitive answers.

Anyone with information can contact the Tallahassee Police Department at 850-891-2000 or Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.

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