A shooting occurred near Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, on the evening of October 12. The incident left one person dead and nine others injured, including three children, according to local authorities.
The gunfire exchange began around 5 p.m. on Jefferson Street, the same location where the university’s homecoming parade took place earlier in the day. Police spokesperson Don Aaron explained that the shooting stemmed from a conflict between two groups within a large gathering. “It was two groups of people who were beefing and they opened fire on each other with a crowd around,” Aaron said. He added that some of the injured had previous run-ins with the police.
The deceased was identified as 24-year-old Vonquae Johnson. The injured include a 12-year-old girl, two 14-year-old girls, and several adults ranging in age from 23 to 55. A 55-year-old woman is said to be in critical condition.
The Nashville, Tennessee Fire Department quickly responded to the scene. Fire department spokesperson Kendra Loney detailed how first responders used their belts as makeshift tourniquets to assist the victims.
Two suspects, identified as 24-year-olds Marquez Davis and DeAnthony Brown, have been arrested in relation to the shooting. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department stated that both individuals are facing murder charges. The department released images of the suspects after their arrest.
Davis and Brown were arrested on Monday evening at a temporary rental near the shooting site, according to police. At the time of his arrest, Davis reportedly had an assault-style rifle with a loaded extended magazine. In April, Davis had been convicted of robbery and felony gun and drug possession charges, and was serving a 10-year probation under the Community Corrections Program, police added.
Despite the shooting’s proximity to the university, officials clarified that it happened several blocks away from the campus and was not associated with the homecoming events. “We think this is something that was kind of a sidebar to the celebration and not a direct reflection on the university itself,” Nashville police Cmdr. Anthony McClain said.
In an unrelated incident, three people were injured at Nissan Stadium, about three miles east of the shooting site, during a fight in the parking lot at the university’s homecoming football game. The incident caused panic, leading to several people being trampled.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed his distress over the incident. “I am heartbroken and angered by the senseless act of violence,” he said.
Police are appealing to anyone with pertinent information to step forward. Regarding the injured victims, Aaron said, “We believe that the others are going to survive and recover.”
“The shooters had no regard for human life and put a crowd of innocent persons, including children, in extreme danger,” Police Chief John Drake said.