Tuskegee University’s Homecoming Turned Tragic as Gunfire Left One Dead and 16 Injured
Early Sunday morning, a shooting occurred during an unsanctioned block party in a parking lot on campus at Tuskegee University in Alabama. Hours after a record-breaking 47,000 people attended Tuskegee’s homecoming football game, hundreds remained on campus enjoying music and drinks when a fight broke out around midnight. Though it briefly settled, tensions reignited about an hour later with an eruption of gunfire.
Kierra Talley, a junior visiting from Alabama State University, described hiding in her car as shots rang out for what felt like eight minutes. “Shooters were everywhere,” she said, estimating at least four individuals wielding automatic weapons. One of her friends, known as Tony P., was among those injured and remains hospitalized.
@staytunednbc Kierra Talley, a junior #college student, was visiting #Tuskegee University with friends to celebrate the #HBCU’s centennial #homecoming celebration when she says chaos erupted.
♬ original sound – staytunednbc
The Aftermath: One Dead, Several Injured, Gunman Arrested
The gunfire claimed the life of 18-year-old La’Tavion Johnson, who was not a Tuskegee student.
According to the victim’s father, Larry Johnson, a witness described how La’Tavion saved a girl’s life by pushing her out of the way before he was fatally shot. “She made a post that someone saved her life, and he lost his life,” Larry Johnson said.
La’Tavion, a graduate of Charles Henderson High School in Troy, worked at Piggly Wiggly after graduating and also helped out on a family farm. He was scheduled to start a new job with the Alabama Department of Transportation in Troy the following week.
Twelve individuals sustained gunshot wounds, while others suffered injuries in the chaos. Victims were rushed to hospitals over 25 miles away due to the lack of nearby medical facilities.
Freshman Joaquin Crayton fled to his dormitory, only to find a gunman roaming the halls. “Our security failed us,” Crayton said, echoing the frustrations of many students.
Authorities arrested 25-year-old Jaquez Myrick at the scene, charging him with possession of a machine gun. Myrick admitted to firing his weapon but denied targeting anyone. Investigators, including the FBI, are seeking public assistance, asking witnesses to share videos and photos of the incident.
University and Student Response
Tuskegee University President Mark Brown expressed heartbreak over the violence and pledged to limit campus access to students, faculty, and staff moving forward. Despite these measures, many students remain frustrated with what they see as a failure to ensure their safety during a well-known homecoming tradition.
Crayton and others criticized the university’s lack of preparation and transparency. “It takes a different kind of trauma for 18- to 22-year-olds to unite like this,” he said, calling for accountability and change.
Gun Violence Plagues HBCU Homecomings
Tuskegee is not alone in grappling with gun violence at HBCU celebrations. In recent weeks, shootings have marred homecoming events at Tennessee State University, Albany State University, and Alabama State University, leaving communities searching for solutions.
Talley, reflecting on the tragedy, blamed the incident on lax gun laws, insufficient attention to mass shootings in Black communities, and a lack of accountability. “When is it going to stop?” she asked tearfully.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for solutions to the epidemic of gun violence plaguing communities across the nation.
