A shooting that took place near Tennessee State University on the night of October 12 left one person dead and nine others injured, including three children, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Jefferson Street, the same location where the university’s homecoming parade had taken place earlier that day. The shooting began amidst a large crowd, between two groups in conflict with each other, stated Don Aaron, a police spokesperson. Aaron further revealed that some of those injured had previous run-ins with law enforcement.
The authorities have identified 24-year-old Vonquae Johnson as the deceased. The injured include a 12-year-old girl, two 14-year-olds, and several adults aged from 23 to 55. A woman aged 55 is reported to be in critical condition.
First responders from the Nashville, Tennessee Fire Department, who were in the vicinity, quickly came to the aid of the victims. Fire department spokesperson Kendra Loney explained how the personnel used their belts as tourniquets to assist the victims.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has arrested two individuals in relation to the shooting. The suspects, identified as 24-year-olds Marquez Davis and DeAnthony Brown, are facing murder charges. The police have released images of the suspects following their capture.
Police apprehended Davis and Brown at a temporary rental accommodation close to the shooting scene on Monday evening. At the time of his arrest, Davis was reportedly in possession of an assault-style rifle with a loaded extended magazine.
Prior to this, in April, Davis was convicted of robbery and offenses related to felony gun and drug possession, as per law enforcement records. He was sentenced to 10 years of probation under the Community Corrections Program, reported the Nashville police.
Although the incident occurred near the university, school authorities clarified that it took place several blocks away from the campus and was not related to the homecoming events. Nashville police Cmdr. Anthony McClain said, “We think this is something that was kind of a sidebar to the celebration and not a direct reflection on the university itself.”
In a separate incident, three people were injured at the Nissan Stadium, about three miles east of the shooting site, after a brawl in the parking lot during the university’s homecoming football game. This incident led to panic among the crowd, resulting in several people getting trampled on.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed his deep disappointment over the incident, stating, “I am heartbroken and angered by the senseless act of violence.”
Police are appealing to the public for any information that may be of assistance in the investigation. “We believe that the others are going to survive and recover,” Aaron said of the injured victims.
“The shooters had no regard for human life and put a crowd of innocent persons, including children, in extreme danger,” Police Chief John Drake said.
