A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting that left 12 people injured, including six children, near a Florida college football stadium during a crowded homecoming weekend.
Anthony Rivers III was taken into custody Sunday, October 25, following the terrifying Saturday night shooting near Florida A&M University’s Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee.
The teenager faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent, according to the Tallahassee Police Department.
The arrest marks a major breakthrough in an investigation that began when gunfire erupted near the intersection of Perry and Manatee streets around 8 p.m. on October 24.
The area was crowded with people following Florida A&M’s homecoming football game against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, which ended in a 31-28 loss for the Rattlers.
What should have been an evening of celebrations quickly turned into chaos as shots rang out and people scrambled to escape.
Eleven people were struck by gunfire, while a 12th suffered an ankle injury while fleeing the scene.
Among the victims were six children, including an 11-year-old, along with six adults. At least one of those injured was a Florida A&M student.
Police initially reported that one victim was in critical condition and three others were seriously injured. The remaining victims were described as stable.
No deaths have been reported in connection with the shooting.
According to investigators, the violence appears to have started with a physical confrontation between individuals who knew one another.
But authorities revealed a particularly troubling detail Monday: None of the people injured appeared to have been the intended targets.
Instead, investigators believe innocent bystanders were caught in the gunfire as the dispute escalated.
Police have not publicly explained what caused the initial confrontation or whether the shooting was directly connected to the football game.
The shooting occurred outside the stadium rather than during the game itself.
Officers already stationed nearby for the homecoming festivities rushed toward the gunfire and began helping injured victims before the area had been fully secured.
Emergency responders transported victims to local hospitals as police closed nearby streets and launched an investigation.
Videos circulating on social media showed people running from the area amid confusion and fear.
The large number of young victims has made the case especially troubling for the Tallahassee community.
During a Monday news conference, Police Chief Lawrence Revell described the incident as heartbreaking and condemned the violence that disrupted what should have been a weekend of school spirit and community celebrations.
“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.
The police chief emphasized that Rivers’ arrest was an important development, but warned that the investigation was far from finished.
Detectives are continuing to examine surveillance recordings, cellphone videos, witness statements and other evidence to determine exactly how the shooting unfolded.
Authorities credited information provided by community members with helping investigators identify a suspect.
However, police believe others may have been involved, and additional arrests remain possible.
The Tallahassee Police Department has not disclosed how Rivers allegedly obtained the firearm or provided detailed information about his suspected role in the initial confrontation.
His arrest also raises serious questions about how a 15-year-old came to possess a weapon during a crowded community event.
Florida A&M University, one of the nation’s most prominent historically Black universities, expressed sympathy for the victims and pledged cooperation with investigators.
The university also clarified that the shooting happened near its campus and that there was no indication of an ongoing threat to students.
Homecoming is one of the school’s biggest annual celebrations, attracting alumni, families and visitors from across the country.
The weekend traditionally features football, reunions, performances and community events, making Saturday’s violence an especially painful disruption.
While the arrest has brought some relief, families of the injured are still dealing with the physical and emotional consequences of the shooting.
The charges against Rivers remain allegations, and his guilt has not been established in court.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether he has entered a plea.
Police are urging anyone with additional information, photographs or video recordings to contact the department’s dedicated tip line at 850-891-4610.
For the Tallahassee community, the arrest represents a significant step toward understanding how a confrontation involving a small group of people could leave a dozen others injured.
But with investigators still searching for answers and additional suspects possibly involved, the case is far from over.
