Tennessee shooting: One dead, 9 injured in gunfire near Tennessee State University homecoming parade

A man lost his life, and nine others were hurt in a shooting on Saturday (Oct 12) near Tennessee State University, where the school was celebrating homecoming. Authorities suspect at least one of those injured may have been involved in the gunfire, according to officials.

The incident happened at around 5 pm on a street where the homecoming parade had taken place earlier that morning, Nashville police and fire officials revealed during a press conference on Saturday evening. The victim who died was a 24-year-old man, police confirmed on X (formerly Twitter). His identity, along with the names of the injured and details about the motive, have yet to be made public.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Among the wounded were at least three children, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The injured children included a 12-year-old girl and two 14-year-old girls, who were taken to a local children’s hospital, as stated by Don Aaron, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

The Metro Nashville Police Department posted on X,“A total of 10 gunshot wound victims are now at area hospitals. 5 were transported by NFD. 5 arrived by private vehicles. A 24-year-old man is deceased. 3 non-critical juvenile victims are at Vandy Peds. At least 1 of the injured is suspected to have been involved in the gunfire.”

Metro Nashville Police Commander Anthony McClain clarified that the gunfire did not appear to be directly connected to the events at Tennessee State University, which included the morning parade and other festivities. At the time of the shooting, the school’s homecoming football game was taking place in a different part of the city.

Commander McClain said, “It's unfortunate that a few folks ruined it for everybody. "We have to come to a point to stop this violence.” He also noted that the 24-year-old man had died, and the juvenile victims, including two 12-year-olds and a 14-year-old, had sustained non-critical injuries.

In a separate event at Nissan Stadium, where the homecoming football game was underway, Tennessee State University officials reported an investigation into shots that were heard at the site. However, police have not yet found any victims of this incident.

Nashville’s Mayor Freddie O’Connell took to social media to express his condemnation of the violence. He said, “What was a joyous atmosphere is tonight very different because of a senseless act of violence carried out by people who didn’t care who else might be caught in the crossfire.”

He further added, “Sadly, many in our community are familiar with the pain inflicted by gun violence. It hurts anew every time. We’re grateful for our first responders who quickly rendered aid and secured the scene - and sorrowful and prayerful for the victims.”

(With inputs from agencies)