A man has been accused of possessing a machine gun at Tuskegee University during a shooting incident that resulted in one fatality and injuries to at least 16 individuals. The accused individual, identified as a 25-year-old from Montgomery, allegedly admitted to firing his weapon during the chaos but denied targeting anyone specifically.
The federal complaint, recently unsealed, revealed that a police officer responding to the gunfire discovered a deceased individual and encountered the accused with a Glock pistol. The accused was later taken into custody and charged with possession of a machine gun conversion device.
The complaint outlined the chaotic scene at the university and the subsequent apprehension of the accused individual. It was reported that the accused confessed to discharging the firearm but denied aiming at anyone during the shooting.
The shooting incident occurred during the university's 100th homecoming week, with a significant number of victims sustaining gunshot wounds or injuries while attempting to flee the scene. Tragically, an 18-year-old individual, not affiliated with the university, was identified as the fatality.
Law enforcement officials highlighted the concerning trend of 'machine gun conversion devices' being used in such incidents, emphasizing the ease with which firearms can be modified to function as automatic weapons. The FBI has joined the investigation and urged the public to provide any relevant information or video footage related to the incident.
The university community, already reeling from a previous shooting incident, expressed shock and sorrow over the senseless violence. The student government association president emphasized the profound impact of such events on the entire student body.
Tuskegee University, a historically Black college with a rich heritage, has been designated as a Registered National Landmark and a National Historic Site. The recent shooting has underscored the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance on campus.
