Tallahassee Police Arrest 15-Year-Old in FAMU Shooting

A 15-year-old boy was arrested Sunday, October 25, after a shooting near Florida A&M University's Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, left 12 people injured during homecoming weekend. Police Chief Lawrence Revell said the violence followed a physical altercation and that investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.

According to the Tallahassee Police Department, 11 victims suffered gunshot wounds, while another person, the grandmother of one of the victims, was injured while fleeing. Six victims were minors, including an 11-year-old child. Six victims were male and six were female, authorities said.

The suspect, identified as Anthony Rivers III, was arrested on 11 counts of attempted homicide and one count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent, police spokeswoman Alicia Hill said. Investigators had previously indicated they believed one shooter was involved, although additional arrests remain possible.

Police said the shooting occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on October 24 near Perry and Manatee streets, adjacent to Bragg Memorial Stadium. Florida A&M's Rattlers had hosted the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions for the university's annual homecoming game earlier that evening.

Revell said the investigation indicated that a dispute preceded the gunfire and that the victims did not appear to have been specifically targeted.

"Our investigation indicates that a physical altercation occurred before shots were fired," said Lawrence Revell, Tallahassee police chief.

Detectives believe the dispute involved people who knew one another. Revell said the department would continue examining the circumstances and determining whether other individuals were involved.

"At this stage of the investigation, none of the victims appear to have been the intended targets," Revell said.

The arrest followed an intensive investigation that included information and digital evidence submitted by members of the public. Police said officers responded immediately to assist injured people, despite the danger and uncertainty at the scene.

"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," Revell said.

The police chief also acknowledged the impact on victims and their families, describing the incident as a devastating interruption to a weekend intended for community celebration.

"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," Revell said.

Revell praised officers who entered the area to provide emergency assistance before the scene was fully secured. Police said crowds initially made it difficult to reach some victims and transport them to medical care.

"In the moments immediately following the shooting, our officers rushed toward danger to render aid to victims even before the scene was fully secured," Revell said.

He expressed confidence in the department's response as investigators continued gathering evidence and reviewing information from witnesses.

"I could not be prouder of the men and women of this department," Revell said.

Police said information supplied by the public had played an important role in identifying the suspect. The department had requested cellphone videos, photographs, and witness accounts to help reconstruct the incident.

"Tips and digital evidence provided by members of the public have been vital to investigative efforts," Revell said.

The chief emphasized that the arrest did not conclude the investigation.

"This arrest represents progress, but we will not stop working until we fully establish what happened, identify everyone involved and bring the people to justice," Revell said.

He also highlighted the scale of the harm caused by the shooting and the continuing need to establish what happened to each victim.

"Twelve people were injured Saturday night, twelve families had to confront something no family should have to face," Revell said.

Florida A&M University said its campus remained safe following the shooting and urged people to avoid the surrounding area while law enforcement investigated. Florida State University, located about a mile away, issued a precautionary alert advising its students, faculty, and staff to remain indoors and stay alert.

"Our hearts are with the victims and everyone affected by tonight's incident on Perry Street," Florida A&M University said in a statement.

The university also said the safety of students and employees remained a priority while police continued their work near campus.

"As a precaution, students, faculty and staff in the Tallahassee area are advised to remain indoors this evening and stay alert," Florida State University said in its alert.

The investigation remains active, and Tallahassee police have established a dedicated hotline at 850-891-4610 for information related to the Perry Street shooting. People can also provide anonymous tips through Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.