Nashville TSU Homecoming Parade Shooting

The shooting took place on October 12, 2024, around 5:10 PM at the intersection of Jefferson Street and 27th Avenue. According to police reports, two groups exchanged gunfire, leading to a chaotic scene as attendees were leaving the festivities associated with the TSU homecoming game against Eastern Illinois University. A 24-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while nine others sustained injuries of varying severity, with three children aged 12 and 14 among the wounded. Despite the presence of law enforcement during the event, the shooting has raised questions about security measures at public gatherings.

Details of the Incident

• Timeline: The shooting occurred shortly after the homecoming parade concluded, as many attendees were heading to the nearby Nissan Stadium for the football game.
• Victims: The injured included individuals with both critical and non-critical injuries. The police reported that some victims were known to them from previous encounters.
• Suspects: Descriptions of the shooters included two Black men, one wearing a green outfit and the other in a black and white top. Authorities are still investigating the incident and searching for the suspects, who fled the scene.

Community Reaction

Local officials and community members expressed shock and anger over the violence that marred what was intended to be a celebratory event. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell condemned the senseless act, emphasizing the need for safety during community gatherings. Witnesses recounted the panic that ensued as people initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks, illustrating the unexpected nature of the violence in a setting filled with families and children.