Tennessee State University issues statement after mass shooting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Tennessee State University issued a statement following Saturday night’s mass shooting.

This statement was sent to the campus community:

“Dear campus community,

We wish to clarify recent media reports regarding two separate incidents that occurred this evening. First, Metro Nashville police are investigating a shooting that occurred at 26th and Jefferson, near the House of Legends and Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church, several blocks from our campus. Again, the shooting did not occur on campus.

Unfortunately, police reported one victim, along with nine others injured. Authorities released the following description of suspects still at large:

Suspect 1: Male, black, wearing a green shirt and pants.

Suspect 2: Male, black, wearing a black and white blouse with jeans; possibly in a Ford Fusion.

In a separate incident at Nissan Stadium, the Metropolitan Police reported that three people suffered injuries after an argument turned into a fight in the parking lot. According to police, the three were injured when a large crowd began running for safety, resulting in them being trampled. All were taken to local hospitals. This incident was initially reported as a shooting, but the Metropolitan Police confirmed through video surveillance that this was not the case.

The University will provide more information about both incidents as details become available. Please keep the affected families in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Public Relations and University Communications”

The shooting occurred shortly after 5:30 p.m., after the crowd began to thin following TSU’s homecoming festivities, MNPD said.

One person died and nine others were injured in the shooting.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also released a statement about the incident saying:

“Earlier today, hundreds of us marched down historic Jefferson Street to Homecoming.

What was a joyful atmosphere tonight is very different because of a senseless act of violence carried out by people who didn’t care who else might get caught in the crossfire.

Unfortunately, many in our community are familiar with the pain inflicted by gun violence. It hurts again each time. We are grateful to our first responders who quickly provided aid and secured the scene – and we are saddened and praying for the victims.”