Latest on shooting near Florida A&M University as 15-year-old arrested

Updated Oct. 26, 2026, 7:15 p.m. ET

Police in Tallahassee, Florida, arrested a teen boy in connection with a mass shooting that left 11 people injured outside Florida A&M University’s football stadium after a homecoming game.

Anthony Rivers III, 15, was arrested Sunday, Oct. 25, in connection with the mass shooting, one of the worst in Tallahassee history. He made his first court appearance earlier on Monday, Oct. 26.

Rivers faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent, according to the Tallahassee Police Department. State Attorney Jack Campbell said he will be charged as an adult.

A lawyer for Rivers was not immediately listed in online court records. USA TODAY has reached out to law enforcement for additional information

The gunfire erupted on Oct. 24 behind Bragg Memorial Stadium following Florida A&M University’s homecoming game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. At least 11 people were injured in the shooting, while one was hurt during the ensuing panic.

Those injured included six children, the youngest of whom is 11 years old, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said. Six victims remain hospitalized, including one in critical condition. On Oct. 26, Leon County Schools told the Tallahassee Democrat, part of the USA TODAY Network, that four students were among the injured.

Authorities believe the incident stemmed from a dispute between several people known to one another, but have not said what sparked the altercation. Revell said detectives believe there was only a single shooter but later added that additional arrests are possible. None of the victims were believed to have been the “intended targets” of the shooting, officials said.

“What should have been a weekend of celebration in our community instead became a night of fear and violence for the victims and their families,” Revell said. “While this arrest marks a significant step forward, our work is far from over. We remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and getting answers for every family impacted by this tragedy.”

Campbell said Rivers will be transferred from the Juvenile Assessment Center to the Leon County Detention Facility. During a juvenile court hearing on Oct. 26, Leon Circuit Judge Andrew Sheeran ordered him to be held in “secure detention” while his case is pending, which the judge said was required by statute given the nature of the charges.

Sheeran also told Rivers he was not to have any direct or indirect contact with the victims, whose initials he read aloud.

“Your calls at the detention center are going to be monitored on a speakerphone,” the judge said, “and a log will be kept to ensure that you have no contact with any of the victims or witnesses.”

Authorities said a “significant influx” of information poured in from the community. Before the arrest, police asked the public for any cellphone video or tips from witnesses.

“Tips and digital evidence provided by members of the public have been vital to investigative efforts,” the department said.

The investigation remains open and active and additional arrests are possible.

“Detectives continue to pursue leads, review evidence and work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police department said.

Teen suspect also linked to mall shooting

Rivers is also one of three teens who were arrested in connection with a shooting at Governor’s Square Mall in Tallahassee earlier this year.

The shooting took place Sept. 5 in the underground parking lot at Dillard’s, The Tallahassee Democrat reported. No one was hurt.

Age 14 at the time, Rivers wasn’t named by the Tallahassee Police Department and not charged as an adult. Because those juvenile court records are confidential, it is not clear if Rivers faces ongoing charges.