Authorities reported that ten individuals were shot, with one person succumbing to injuries, during a shooting incident near Tennessee State University in Nashville on Saturday.

Vonquae Johnson, a 24-year-old male, has been identified as the deceased victim, while those injured experienced varying degrees of severity, from critical injuries to minor grazes, according to the Metro Nashville Police.

A 12-year-old girl and two 14-year-old girls were listed in stable condition at Vanderbilt Children’s University Pediatrics. The oldest victim was a 55-year-old woman who was critically injured and underwent surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Saturday night.

Preliminary evidence suggested that two groups exchanged gunfire from opposing sides of the street shortly after 5 p.m. local time, Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson Don Aaron reported.

Investigation encounters challenges

The Metro Nashville Police Department has yet to disclose any details regarding arrests linked to the shooting. Officials mentioned to The Tennessean − a segment of the YSL News Network − that two of the injured individuals are not cooperating with investigators and are believed to be involved in the incident.

Law enforcement conducted several interviews at the scene and nearby hospitals on Saturday evening.

“We believe at least one person at a local hospital was involved in the gunfire,” Aaron stated.

Shooting disrupts homecoming celebrations

The shooting occurred on the final day of homecoming week for Tennessee State University.

A parade was held on Jefferson Street earlier that morning, where the shooting transpired, and a football game began at 5 p.m. a few miles away at Nissan Stadium.

The street had been closed to cars for most of the day but reopened about 20 minutes prior to the gunfire.

“This unnecessary gun violence must cease,” Aaron remarked. “We never anticipated such an incident occurring, especially with numerous police officers and firefighters present.”

Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney mentioned to The Tennessean that NFD personnel were on Jefferson Street engaged in the community event when the shots rang out and quickly acted as first responders after the situation unfolded.

“We are frustrated. This disruption is unacceptable,” Loney expressed. “The event’s innocence has been shattered, putting lives at risk.”

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell shared a post on X Saturday night, recalling his participation in the parade that morning alongside hundreds of others.

“What began as a festive occasion has transformed into a somber atmosphere because of a senseless violent act by individuals indifferent to the potential victims of their gunfire,” he wrote.