Gunfire broke out near Tennessee State University in Nashville on Saturday, resulting in ten people being shot and one person, identified as 24-year-old Vonquae Johnson, fatally injured. Victims ranged in age from 12 to 55 and had injuries ranging from minor grazes to critical conditions. Evidence suggests that two groups were involved in the shooting, firing shots from opposite sides of the street just after 5 p.m.
Investigations are facing roadblocks as two injured individuals are refusing to participate in interviews and are suspected to have been directly involved in the incident. Despite the presence of law enforcement officers and firefighters in the area, the shooting occurred, disrupting the end of homecoming week activities for Tennessee State University.
The shooting took place on Jefferson Street, where a parade had occurred earlier in the day, and just before the football game at Nissan Stadium began. The street had been closed to vehicles for most of the day but had opened up to traffic shortly before the shooting. Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed his dismay at the senseless act of violence that disrupted what should have been a joyous occasion. The Nashville Fire Department employees who were participating in the community event on Jefferson Street acted as first responders after the shooting occurred. The incident has prompted calls to end gun violence and ensure the safety of the community.
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