A college homecoming celebration near Prairie View A&M University in Waller County, Texas, was interrupted by gunfire late Sunday evening, November 5, 2023, resulting in injuries to seven bystanders, according to the sheriff’s office.
At around 10 p.m. on November 5, deputies responded to a “trail ride pasture party,” a gathering that had attracted over 1,000 attendees. The event, a blend of a traditional trail ride gathering and a celebration of the university’s homecoming turned chaotic when a verbal altercation between partygoers escalated, leading to gunshots being fired.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered four adult women, two adult men, and one male juvenile with gunshot wounds. The victims, who sustained injuries to their lower extremities, were identified as innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. Medical assessments deemed the injuries as non-life-threatening.
While approved by local county officials, the festivities did not adhere to the pre-agreed security measures at the time of the incident. The lapse in security protocol has raised concerns over the enforcement and effectiveness of such measures at large-scale events.
The number of shooters remains unclear. The Waller County Sheriff’s Office is actively pursuing leads to identify and arrest the individuals responsible for the shooting. They have called for witnesses to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.
The event in question took place off-campus, but its proximity to the university and its association with the homecoming weekend have brought to light the issue of student safety and the responsibilities of event organizers. The incident has cast a shadow over the university’s homecoming celebrations, prompting discussions about safety at college events.
Authorities have not disclosed any affiliations of the victims with the university, nor have they provided details on the nature of the argument that led to the shooting. The sheriff’s office continues to appeal to the public for any videos or photos that may have captured the incident. Anyone with information should contact the Waller County Sheriff’s Office.
In response to the shooting, a spokesperson for Prairie View A&M University expressed concern for those injured and emphasized the university’s commitment to the well-being of its students and the surrounding community.