Juvenile arrested after 11 people shot near FAMU homecoming

Florida A&M University’s homecoming was the setting of shootings that injured 12, including 11 struck by gunfire. Of the 11 struck, six were juveniles, according to Tallahassee Police Department. The suspect is a 15-year-old. 

The shootings occurred just before 8 p.m. Saturday, following FAMU’s homecoming football game, on a street that runs in front of the historically black public university’s football stadium.

Monday morning, TPD announced it had arrested the suspect, charging him with 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent. His first court appearance was Monday morning, during which he was ordered to remain locked up, WCTV reported. 

TPD has not announced any deaths related to the shootings.

“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,” TPD Chief Lawrence Revell said in a news release. “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.”

The police department says its preliminary investigation determined “a physical altercation occurred before shots were fired” between “individuals known to one another.” However, as of Monday morning, “none of the victims appear to have been the intended targets.”

During FAMU’s homecoming, TPD and other law enforcement in Tallahassee maintained “significantly elevated police presence” in the area surrounding campus, FAMU President Marva Johnson said.

“I share your outrage and profound sadness at the senseless and despicable shooting that took place near our FAMU campus last night,” Johnson said in a video posted to the university’s social media. 

Although in close proximity to the campus, the shootings were not on campus grounds, giving TPD the lead in the investigation.

Come together: Jolly and Nixon stump on FAMU campus as election draws near

Friday, Democratic nominee for governor David Jolly, his running mate Gwen Graham, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Angie Nixon, and Democratic nominee for chief financial officer Annette Taddeo were on campus. 

Jolly posted to social media the morning after the shootings that he and his wife were praying for the victims and “the entire FAMU family.”

“To see that beautiful sense of community shattered by senseless violence is devastating, and learning that multiple victims are children is even more horrifying,” Nixon posted to social media, adding, “The gun violence in our country has to stop, and it will take all of us working together to heal our communities and protect our kids.”

Republican nominee for governor U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who attended FAMU, also posted.

“I am devastated by this senseless violence at FAMU on homecoming weekend. I walked this campus as a student and cannot imagine why someone would commit such a heinous act.

Praying for the 12 injured, including six children, and for the entire FAMU community.

— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) October 25, 2026

Outgoing U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, a Republican whose district includes Tallahassee, lamented the violence.

I am deeply saddened by the news of last night’s shooting near @FAMU_1887 in Tallahassee, especially knowing that children are among those injured.

My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire FAMU community. I am grateful to our first responders and law enforcement officers who rushed to the scene.

Northwest Florida stands with Tallahassee during this difficult time.

— Dr. Neal Dunn (@DrNealDunnFL2) October 25, 2026