15-Year-Old Arrested in Florida A&M Homecoming Shooting That Injured 11
Police have detained 15-year-old Anthony Rivers III on charges including attempted second-degree murder after a shooting at a Florida A&M University homecoming event wounded 11 people, six of them children.
Police arrested 15-year-old Anthony Rivers III on Sunday following a shooting at a Florida A&M University homecoming celebration in Tallahassee that injured 11 people, including six children. The Tallahassee Police Department said Rivers was involved in a physical altercation with someone he knew before opening fire, and that none of the victims were the intended targets.
Rivers faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and a charge of possession of a firearm by a delinquent.
"What should have been a weekend of celebration in our community instead became a night of fear and violence for the victims and their families," Chief of Police Lawrence Revell said. "While this arrest marks a significant step forward, our work is far from over. We remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and getting answers for every family impacted by this tragedy," he added.
The department said officers responded quickly after the shots were heard around 8 p.m. in an area commonly used by vendors during the event. Detectives, crime analysts, victim advocates and other personnel have been involved in the ongoing investigation.
Local business owner Stephanie Walters, who runs a nearby shop, told WCTV that the shooting caused fear among vendors and raised concerns about returning for future homecoming events.
Florida A&M University posted on social media that the campus remains safe as the investigation continues.