Nashville, Tennessee — A burst of gunfire close to Tennessee State University shrouded what started as a festive day, turning it tragic as one person was killed and nine others, including three children, were injured. The incident unfolded at around 5 p.m. on Wednesday on Jefferson Street, just hours after the area hosted the university’s homecoming parade.
Police reported that the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between two rival groups amidst a gathering of spectators. “This tragic incident was a result of a feud between two groups who chose to resolve their differences with gunfire, indiscriminately endangering bystanders,” said Nashville Police spokesperson Don Aaron.
The confrontation claimed the life of 24-year-old Vonquae Johnson and left a range from a 12-year-old girl to a 55-year-old woman among the wounded, the latter of whom remains in critical condition. The victims were aided by quick-acting first responders from the Nashville Fire Department, who ingeniously used their belts as tourniquets to control bleeding.
In the ensuing investigation, authorities arrested 24-year-olds Marquez Davis and DeAnthony Brown, charging both with murder following their capture on Monday evening at a short-term rental property close to the scene of the shooting. Davis was found with an assault-style rifle fitted with a loaded extended magazine at the time of his arrest.
The arrests are part of Davis’s continuing entanglements with the law; he had previously been found guilty of robbery and various felony weapons and drug charges in April and was sentenced to 10 years under a community correction program.
While the shooting occurred near the university, Nashville police clarified that it was several blocks from the campus core and was not associated with the homecoming events. “We believe that this incident, though tragic, does not reflect the spirit of TSU or its students,” commented Nashville police Cmdr. Anthony McClain.
The violence near the university coincided with another violent outbreak three miles away at Nissan Stadium during the homecoming football game, where a parking lot confrontation escalated, leaving three injured and causing panic that resulted in several attendees being trampled.
Expressing his dismay over the violence, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said, “I am both heartbroken and angered by these acts of senseless violence that have marred what should have been a celebratory time for our community.”
As law enforcement continues to piece together the events leading up to the gunfire, they urge the public to come forth with any information that could aid their investigation. Aaron stated optimistically regarding the victims’ recovery, “We are hopeful for the recovery of those injured and are focused on bringing all responsible individuals to justice.”
Police Chief John Drake highlighted the reckless disregard for life displayed by the shooters, underscoring the peril even bystanders faced during the altercation. He emphasized the necessity of community cooperation in both healing and preventing such needless tragedies in the future.