|
A crowd that gathered earlier Saturday for homecoming events was
thinning out when people in two groups near the campus began
shooting at around 5 p.m., said Metro Nashville Police
spokesperson Don Aaron. Shell casings indicate that gunfire was
exchanged across a street, he said.
Metro Nashville Police Commander Anthony McClain said the
gunfire didn't appear to be directly related to university
events, which had included a parade and other festivities. The
football game was taking place in another part of town when the
gunfire happened.
“It’s unfortunate that a few folks ruined it for everybody,”
McClain said. “We have to come to a point to stop this
violence.”
A police statement on social media said a 24-year-old man died.
The victims included two 12-year-olds and a 14-year-old with
non-critical injuries, Aaron said.
Police spokesperson Brooke Reese said that at least some of the
wounded appear to have been involved in the exchange of gunfire.
Police and firefighters quickly responded, some using belts as
tourniquets, fire department spokesperson Kendra Loney said.
Jashawna Rucker told WTVF-TV that people were crying in the
chaos as they ran for safety.
“I am thankful I didn’t lose my life or get shot,” Rucker said.
Rauf Muhammad told The Tennessean that he was selling food from
a tent along the street and dropped to the ground.
“Everybody having fun, music playing or whatnot. Then all of a
sudden, you just hear like you off in a war somewhere,” Muhammad
told the newspaper.
All contents © copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
