A fight between people who knew each other ended with 12 injured in Florida; what police know about Anthony Rivers III and from where did he get the gun

A homecoming weekend at Florida A&M University turned violent when a shooting took place outside Bragg Stadium in Tallahassee on Saturday night (Oct 24) following a football game. 12 people were injured in the incident, six of whom were children. Police have arrested 15 year old Anthony Rivers III in relation to the incident. The police believe the shooting was the result of a dispute between people who knew each other. The information is taken from Tallahassee Democrat and New York Post.

What do police know about Anthony Rivers III

The Tallahassee Police Department arrested Rivers on Sunday 25th October. He is charged with 11 counts of attempted second degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent. Investigators think there was a physical fight prior to the shots being fired. Chief Revell stated the individuals involved seemed to know each other.


"At this stage of the investigation, none of the victims appear to have been the intended targets," said Revell.

Police originally thought there was just one shooter but have not excluded the possibility of further arrests. The case is still open with investigators working to determine precisely what occurred and who was involved.

Where did the 15-year-old get the gun

Police have not actually established where Rivers got the gun. The information that's been released to date gives us no indication as to how he obtained the weapon or whether anyone else assisted him in acquiring it.

Investigators are collecting witness statements, mobile phone footage and a range of other digital evidence. The department said information provided by the public has played an important role in the investigation and that more arrests remain possible. The charges against Rivers are allegations, and the investigation is continuing.

How many people were injured in the Florida A&M shooting

Police said 11 people were shot during the incident, while 12 people were injured overall. Six of the victims were children, including an 11-year-old, the youngest reported victim. Six victims were male and six were female. According to Chief Revell, six people remained hospitalized, with one in critical condition. A grandmother of one of the victims was also hurt during the panic that followed the gunfire.

The shooting happened around 8 p.m. in an area commonly used by vendors during Florida A&M's homecoming celebrations.

Stephanie Walters, who travels from Tampa each year to run the HBCU Culture Shop, told WCTV that she heard numerous gunshots.

“It’s unfortunate because beyond business-wise, people are just scared,” she said. Walters also questioned whether vendors and visitors would feel comfortable returning for future celebrations.

“I don’t want to have to be concerned that the next time I show up, I may not leave,” she added.

Police continue searching for answers

Chief Revell said officers rushed to help victims before the scene was fully secured. Detectives, crime analysts and victim advocates have since worked to move the investigation forward. “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,” Revell said. Florida A&M said the campus was considered safe as the investigation continued. Police are asking anyone with information or cellphone footage to contact detectives.