Kids Shot in Homecoming Chaos

A gun and bullets on an American flag with a crime scene marker — Photo: J.J. Gouin / Shutterstock

Eleven people were shot and a dozen injured near Florida A&M University during homecoming weekend, including six children.

At a Glance

Police say 12 people were injured; 11 suffered gunshot wounds.
Six victims were juveniles; the youngest was 11 years old.
Gunfire erupted near Perry and Manatee streets by Bragg Memorial Stadium.
A fight appears to have happened before shots were fired, police said.

What Happened Near Florida A&M University

Tallahassee Police Department officers responded just before 8 p.m. to reports of gunfire near Perry and Manatee streets, close to Florida A&M University’s Bragg Memorial Stadium. Police reported at least 12 injured people, 11 with gunshot wounds. One victim was in critical condition, two had serious injuries, and others were stable, according to early medical updates from authorities. The Tallahassee Police Department said five victims were discharged by the next day while six remained hospitalized.

Police said a physical fight broke out before the shooting. Investigators are working to confirm how that altercation led to gunfire and who is responsible. The Tallahassee Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit took the lead on the case and asked for tips from the public. Early reports did not name a suspect. Police said the gunfire did not appear to be random, but they did not give a motive.

Victims Included Six Children

Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said six victims were adults and six were juveniles. The youngest was 11 years old, underscoring the chaos that hit families who were in the area after homecoming events. Police also described one person, a grandmother, who was injured while running from the scene, which helps explain why 12 people were hurt while 11 were specifically listed as shooting victims. Age details beyond the youngest were not released due to privacy rules.

Local hospitals handled a wave of trauma cases within minutes. Initial counts often shift in the first 24 hours, and some severity figures varied across outlets as doctors reassessed patients. That is common in mass-casualty scenes when multiple agencies and hospitals share updates. The broader picture stayed consistent: a large crowd near a major campus landmark, sudden gunfire, and many young people among the wounded.

Location, Timing, And What It Does Not Mean

The shooting happened near Florida A&M University during homecoming weekend, not inside the stadium and not at a confirmed university-sponsored event. Police reports and local coverage stressed the proximity to campus and the timing around homecoming, but they did not tie the incident to an official school activity. That distinction matters for accountability and policy. Proximity heightens risk, yet it does not by itself prove campus control, cause, or blame.

▫️🚨 Florida A&M Homecoming Shooting Leaves 12 Injured, Including Six Children, as Gunman Remains at Large▫️

🔴 12 People Injured: A shooting during Florida A&M University's homecoming celebrations in Tallahassee, Florida, left 12 people injured, including six children. The…

— Washington Report (@Washington_Rep) October 26, 2026

Large homecoming weekends draw crowds from across a city, not just students. That mix often includes rival groups, old disputes, and liquor. National researchers have found that October sees a spike in campus-area shootings, with many tied to homecoming weeks. An analysis counted 389 campus shootings and found 67 in October, with 31 during homecoming week. That pattern does not excuse violence, but it does explain why police surge resources around these weekends.

What Police And The Public Can Do Next

The Tallahassee Police Department urged witnesses to share videos and tips. Street cameras, stadium feeds, and nearby business footage can fix the timeline and identify who pulled the trigger. Forensic work on shell casings and bullets can match guns to past crimes. Clear public updates matter now. Fast, verified facts help families and head off rumors that distract detectives and scare the community.

This event also tests simple guardrails that align with common sense and conservative values: personal responsibility, order, and deterrence. City leaders should harden hot spots near major events with bright lighting, visible patrols, and crowd control that separates brewing fights before they spill into gunfire. Prosecutors should move fast on any suspect with prior violent gun charges. Parents and mentors should keep teens away from late-night crowds after big games. These steps are basic, not political.

Why Precision In Reporting Matters

Breaking news can blur numbers and fuel fear. Here, the core holds: 12 injured, 11 shot, six children among the victims, one non-gunshot injury during the rush to escape. Local outlets repeated those anchors while noting an ongoing investigation by the Violent Crimes Unit. That disciplined frame keeps the public focused on the facts that count: who was hurt, where it happened, when it unfolded, and how to help police close the case.