FAMU Shooting: 15-Year-Old Accused to Be Tried as Adult

A violent dispute erupted outside the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University football stadium last weekend, resulting in a mass shooting that left 11 people injured. The incident occurred during homecoming weekend celebrations when hundreds of people gathered on the campus grounds.

State Attorney Jack Campbell announced that Anthony Rivers III, age 15, will be charged as an adult in connection with the incident. The prosecutor stated that Rivers faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder. He also faces a charge for possession of a firearm by a delinquent.

Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell indicated that a physical altercation occurred between individuals known to one another before the gunfire began. According to the chief, none of the 11 victims were the intended targets of the shooting. Six children were among the injured, including one 11-year-old. A grandmother of a victim sustained an ankle injury while fleeing the scene.

Micayla Martin, a student at FAMU, was near the location of the fight when the shooting started. She stated that her group was not in the immediate center of the confrontation but was close enough to be affected by the movement. Martin estimated her distance from the fight at approximately 20 feet. She said that if she and her friends had not moved, there was a strong chance they would have been hit by the bullets.

Currently, five of the 11 victims have left the hospital. Six individuals remain hospitalized, with one patient still in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the case and believe there was more than one assailant involved in the shooting. Police are asking the public to provide any information they may have, noting that no detail is too small.

Stephanie Walters, who helps operate HBCU Culture Shop, has attended the university's homecoming celebration for nine consecutive years. She expressed uncertainty about returning next year due to safety concerns. Walters said she is more worried about whether she wants to return than whether she is able to return. She noted that while community and tradition are important, safety must be a priority for vendors and attendees.

Florida A&M President Marva Johnson addressed the university community and surrounding residents on Sunday evening. She described the shooting as senseless and despicable. Johnson stated that the university is providing full assistance to the Tallahassee Police Department. She encouraged the Rattler family and the Tallahassee community to call the tip line with any information.

Police released a statement on Sunday urging residents to share details with detectives. The statement emphasized that community information could be key to holding those responsible accountable. The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify all individuals involved in the shooting.