As spectators exited Florida A&M University’s Bragg Memorial Stadium on Oct. 24, gunfire erupted in the crowd, injuring 12 people. Now, a 15-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting.
According to WLBT, the incident began as a fight between spectators after the homecoming football game. When the shooter, later identified as Anthony Rivers, discharged his gun, he struck 11 people, including six children. Tallahassee police do not believe any of the people who were injured were the intended targets.
The victims were transported to the hospital, and five have already been released. Three of the victims suffered “serious” injuries and one is in critical condition.
Rivers was not apprehended until Sunday, as first responders assisted the victims before the scene was secure. The area outside Bragg Memorial Stadium was so crowded that ambulances could not drive to the scene; instead, first responders carried victims to the waiting vehicles away from the crowd. They told News 4 JAX that videos of the incident sent to police by other spectators were crucial in identifying the suspected shooter.
“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,” Tallahassee police chief Lawrence Revell said. “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.”
Rivers has been charged with eleven counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent. He will be tried in adult court for his crimes, partially due to his past brushes with the law.
Police told the Tallahassee Democrat that additional arrests may still be made in connection with the shooting.
FAMU president Marva Johnson said the school had reached out to injured members of the FAMU community to offer support. She urged anyone with information to contact the police.
