Authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with the tragic shooting that occurred near the campus of Tuskegee University in Alabama on Sunday morning. The incident resulted in the death of one individual and left more than a dozen injured.
The suspect, identified as Jaquez Myrick, 25, has been charged federally with possession of a machine gun device, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Myrick was found in possession of a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device while attempting to leave the scene of the shooting on the university campus.
Out of the 16 individuals injured, 12 sustained gunshot wounds, while the remaining four suffered injuries unrelated to the shooting. The ALEA confirmed that some of the wounded individuals were students of Tuskegee University.
In response to the incident, all classes at the university have been canceled for Monday to allow law enforcement to process the scene. Grief counselors will also be available to students at the chapel to provide support during this difficult time.
The shooting took place during the university's 100th homecoming weekend, with harrowing moments captured on social media videos. Witnesses could be seen taking cover behind a vehicle as gunshots rang out in the background.
Tuskegee University officials expressed their condolences, confirming the death of a non-university individual in the shooting. Emergency responders, along with campus and local law enforcement, have secured the scene, with the Alabama Bureau of Investigations actively conducting an investigation.
As the investigation unfolds, the ALEA's special agents are working in collaboration with the Macon County Sheriff's Office to gather information and determine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. At this time, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this challenging time as authorities work diligently to bring justice to those affected by this senseless act of violence.
