Tennessee University homecoming events disrupted after gunfire; One dead, several others injured

In another case of shooting, gunfire broke out among a crowd near a Tennessee university Saturday afternoon, killing a 24-year-old man and injuring nine people, police said.

A crowd that gathered earlier in the day for homecoming events at Tennessee State University was beginning to thin out when the gunfire erupted between two groups around 5 pm, said Metro Nashville Police spokesperson Don Aaron. Shell casings indicate that gunfire was exchanged across a street near campus between the groups, he said.

Metro Nashville Police Commander Anthony McClain stated that the gunfire did not seem to be directly linked to the events at Tennessee State University, which included a parade and other celebrations earlier in the day. At the time of the shooting, the football game was occurring in a different area of the city.


"It's unfortunate that a few folks ruined it for everybody," McClain said. "We have to come to a point to stop this violence."

A police statement on social media said a 24-year-old man died. The victims included two 12-year-olds and a 14-year-old with non-critical injuries, Aaron said.

Police spokesperson Brooke Reese said that at least some of the wounded appear to have been involved in the exchange of gunfire. Police and firefighters who had been present for the day's activities were able to quickly respond to the shooting, authorities said.

Witness Jashawna Rucker told WTVF-TV that chaos ensued after people heard the shots, and she saw people crying as they ran for safety.

"I am thankful I didn't lose my life or get shot," Rucker said.

Rauf Muhammad told The Tennessean newspaper that he was selling food from a tent along the street when he heard the gunfire and dropped to the ground.

(with AP inputs)