Shooting at Tuskegee University homecoming leaves 1 dead, 16 injured – Essence

Authorities in Alabama are investigating a tragic shooting that erupted early Sunday during Tuskegee University’s 100th homecoming celebration, leaving one person dead and 16 others injured. This was reported by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)..

Officials reported that 25-year-old Jaquez Myrick of Montgomery, Alabama, was apprehended while attempting to leave the scene with a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device. He has been ever since federally taxed with possession of a machine gun, ALEA confirmed in a statement on social media.

An 18-year-old who was not a college student was killed and 12 others suffered gunshot wounds, requiring treatment at hospitals in Montgomery and Lee Counties. Four additional people were injured in other ways during the incident. Several Tuskegee students were among those injured, according to university officials.

The shooting occurred around 1:40 a.m. as students and visitors gathered to celebrate the famed HBCU’s historic milestone homecoming. ALEA’s Bureau of Investigations is leading the ongoing investigation and authorities quickly secured the campus following the incident.

In the wake of the tragedy, all classes at Tuskegee University were canceled for Monday while investigators processed the scene. Grief counselors have been made available for students and employees.

Reflecting on the events of the weekend, the university said: “The university experienced an exceptional Homecoming weekend, and this event tarnished it. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Standing strong together is also the Tuskegee Way.”

As the investigation continues, the Tuskegee community is left to mourn and reflect on the tragedy that marred a historic weekend.