11 Shot Near FAMU Homecoming, Including Children

A night of homecoming celebrations in Tallahassee, Florida, turned into chaos Saturday when gunfire erupted near Florida A&M University. Eleven people were shot, including children as young as 11. A 12th person was injured fleeing the scene. Police say a fight preceded the shooting. One victim remains in critical condition, and no arrests have been announced. Investigators are searching for those responsible.

TALLAHASSEE, FL | October 25, 2026

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A night meant for celebration turned into a scene of gunfire and panic Saturday evening when 11 people were shot near Florida A&M University during its annual homecoming weekend. Six minors were among the 12 people injured, with the youngest victim just 11 years old.

The shooting occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on October 24 near the intersection of Perry and Manatee streets, just steps from Bragg Memorial Stadium, where thousands had gathered for homecoming festivities.

What began as a celebration of school pride ended with emergency responders rushing to help wounded victims and frightened crowds scrambling for safety.

A Fight Turns Into Gunfire

According to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell, preliminary findings indicate that a physical confrontation involving two or three individuals occurred shortly before shots were fired.

Eleven people suffered gunshot wounds. A twelfth person, identified as the grandmother of one of the victims, was injured while fleeing the chaos.

Six of those injured were adults, while the other six were minors. At least three people sustained serious injuries, including one who remained in critical condition Sunday morning.

Police reported that five victims had been discharged from the hospital by Sunday morning, while six remained hospitalized.

Police Rush to Save Victims

Approximately two dozen Tallahassee police officers were already stationed in the surrounding area when the shooting occurred.

As crowds scattered, officers moved into the scene, carrying injured victims to safety and helping transport them for emergency medical treatment.

Witnesses described hearing gunshots before seeing people run in different directions. FAMU student Jayden Dubois told local reporters that he was knocked down in the commotion and later noticed an injured person lying on the ground.

The violence unfolded only hours after Florida A&M’s football game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, turning one of the university’s most anticipated weekends into a night of uncertainty and fear.

No Arrests as Investigation Continues

As of Sunday, October 25, authorities had not announced any arrests or publicly identified a suspect.

Investigators are working to establish what triggered the confrontation, determine who fired the shots and identify everyone involved. Police believe the violence stemmed from an isolated dispute, although the investigation remains active.

Florida A&M University confirmed that the shooting occurred near its campus and emphasized that the campus itself remained safe.

The university also encouraged the public to avoid the surrounding area while police continued their investigation.

Community Left Searching for Answers

The shooting has raised painful questions about public safety during large celebrations, particularly when children and families are caught in the violence.

A gathering that should have ended with memories of football, friends and homecoming celebrations instead left families waiting for medical updates and investigators searching for answers.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or captured photographs or video to come forward. Information can be provided to the Tallahassee Police Department or Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.

For now, the investigation continues, with one victim still fighting for their life and no arrests announced.

Sources and further reporting

Reporting based on information available October 25, 2026. Details may change as investigators release additional findings.

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