Authorities Investigating Shooting At Albany State University During HBCU’s Homecoming Weekend

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Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred at Albany State University, an HBCU, on the evening of Oct. 19, 2024, during Homecoming Weekend. According to a press release published by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Monday (Oct. 21), the tragic incident left one person dead and four others injured after shots broke out around 8:50 p.m. near a crowded concert on the lower East Campus.

The deceased victim was identified as 19-year-old De’Marion Tashawn Daniels from Newnan, Georgia, who was not a student at ASU. The other injured individuals include a 13-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl, and a 16-year-old girl, all suffering gunshot wounds, along with a 20-year-old girl who was grazed by a bullet. Those injured received immediate care on campus before being transported to a local hospital.

Following the shooting, the campus went into lockdown as authorities searched for the suspect(s). The investigation remains active, and any updates will be shared on the GBI website.

In a statement to local news station, WALB, Lawrence M. Drake II, the interim president at Albany State University, said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragic event that took place on campus and “committed to providing resources for the mental, emotional, and physical well-being” of students as investigators work to piece together the details surrounding the shooting.

“Counseling and other resources are available to students during this time. We are encouraging our students to make use of these resources as needed,” he added.

This wasn’t the only shooting to impact a school’s homecoming event over the weekend.

According to the Associated Press, on early Saturday morning, a tragic shooting occurred near Lexington, Mississippi, which claimed the lives of three people and left eight others injured. The incident occurred when at least two individuals opened fire into a crowd of several hundred celebrating a school’s homecoming football victory at an outdoor trail hours after the game had concluded.

According to authorities, the shooting took place about five miles (3 kilometers) outside of Lexington, shortly after the homecoming celebration for the Holmes County Consolidated School. Following the victory, many young people gathered at the trail to continue their festivities.

The gunfire reportedly erupted after a confrontation broke out among several men at the gathering, although Holmes County Sheriff Willie March noted that the cause of the fight is still under investigation. The crowd, estimated to be between 200 and 300 people, was celebrating when chaos ensued as shots rang out, prompting attendees to flee in panic.

“It was chaos, to tell you the truth,” March said. “The shooting just started and people started running.” Two of the deceased victims were 19 years old, while the third was 25. The injured individuals were airlifted to nearby hospitals, according to the Associated Press.

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