TUSKEGEE, Ala.–On Sunday, October 15, a peaceful and exciting homecoming celebration at Tuskegee University erupted into madness and chaos. 

Tuskegee University, a historically Black University (HBCU), was in shambles after a mass shooting during their weekend festivities, celebrating its 100th homecoming with the football team playing Miles College.

Gunshots fired as the homecoming festivities sent the crowds into a panic frenzy. The shooting, which took place on Sunday morning in Tuskegee, Alabama, left one person dead and 16 others injured.

Authorities found the shooter

According to the agency’s statement, 25-year-old Jaquez Myrick was spotted leaving the scene of the shooting. Myrick was carrying a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device.

Authorities charged Myrick with possession of a machine gun. Tuskegee University reported that law enforcement secured the location, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Bureau of Investigations (ALEA) is conducting an investigation.

The shooting left 18-year old La’Tavion Johnson dead at the scene. Additionally, 12 victims sustained gunshot wounds. Officials transferred the victims to hospitals in Montgomery and Lee Counties. Moreover four others suffered injuries related to the incident.

At 1:40 a.m. on Sunday, the Alabama Law Enforcement reported that the special agents were notified about the shooting. Officials still do not know what led to the shooting.

Who was La’ Tavion Johnson?

La’ Tavion Johnson, a graduate of Charles Henderson High School in Troy, worked at Piggly Wiggly following his graduation. Additionally, he volunteered at his family member’s farm and would soon begin his new occupation at the Alabama Department of Transportation. 

Tuskegee University confirmed that Johnson had no affiliation with the university, although some of the injured were students.

Classes cancelled, Tuskegee University closed to visitors

Tuskegee University announced that it had canceled Monday’s classes, while officials examine the scene. In addition, the school will require the students to display their IDs before entering campus and have them visible on themselves everyday.

Dr. Mark Brown, the president of Tuskegee University, announced that the university is now a closed campus, closing its doors to outside visitors. The university fired the campus security leader, emphasizing that it had not approved the event where the shooting occurred.

 “The Tuskegee University community is heartbroken by the events that took place on our campus early Sunday morning,” Dr. Brown stated.

The university is showing support for their students by having counselors on campus to help with grief and pain. Furthermore, mental health supports are available 24 hours daily.

For the safety and well-being of the students, the university permits those who live in the are of the shooting to relocate in a new location.

The Alabama Bureau of Investigations stated it is partnering with federal, state, and local authorities in the ongoing investigation. This incident follows a troubling pattern of recent violence at homecoming events.

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