TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Diya TV) — Tallahassee police arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with a shooting near Florida A&M University’s Bragg Memorial Stadium that injured 12 people during homecoming weekend. Eleven people suffered gunshot wounds, and another injured an ankle while fleeing, police said.
Police identified the teenager as Anthony Rivers III. He faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of possessing a firearm as a delinquent. State Attorney Jack Campbell said prosecutors will move the case to adult court. Rivers appeared in court Monday, where a judge ordered him held in detention. Authorities have not said whether he has an attorney.
The shooting happened shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday near Perry and Manatee streets, after FAMU’s homecoming football game against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Police said a fight preceded the gunfire. Investigators have not said whether the shooting was connected to the game.
Six of the injured were minors, including an 11-year-old, according to police. At least three victims initially suffered serious injuries; one was in critical condition Sunday. Police had not released updated conditions for all victims by Monday.
Chief Lawrence Revell said investigators believe the shooting grew out of an isolated dispute between people who knew one another. Police said the victims did not appear to be the intended targets. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, collecting cellphone video and interviewing witnesses to determine how the confrontation escalated and whether others took part.
The crowd around the stadium prevented ambulances from reaching the scene, Revell said. Officers carried some victims through the crowd to emergency vehicles.
“While this arrest marks a significant step forward, our work is far from over,” Revell said. Police said further arrests remain possible and asked witnesses to share information, photos or video with investigators.
Florida A&M urged students, employees and community members to avoid the area while police investigated. The university said the campus remained safe and expressed support for the injured and their families.
The shooting unfolded near the stadium as people gathered for homecoming events. Police are still investigating the dispute and the events leading up to the gunfire.
Police said 11 people were shot and a 12th person injured while fleeing. They announced the arrest Monday; the teenager was taken into custody Sunday.
