MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Monday, Tuskegee University President Mark Brown declared that the university campus in Alabama will be closed to the public following a shooting during homecoming weekend that left one dead and 16 others injured.

The closure is effective immediately, requiring all visitors to wear badges. Additionally, the university dismissed its security chief and appointed a new one to evaluate the circumstances of the shooting.

A representative from the university did not give further details regarding the motives behind the security chief’s dismissal when contacted by YSL News.

“The community at Tuskegee University is devastated by the events that unfolded early Sunday morning,” stated Brown. “We extend our sympathies to the family of the young man who tragically lost his life. We’re offering support to the injured students and their families, and students living near the scene can relocate if they wish.”

The shooting occurred during a celebration of the university’s 100th homecoming weekend and was at an event unrelated to the university itself, as pointed out by Brown.

An 18-year-old who was not a university student lost his life, and among the 16 injured, 12 sustained gunshot wounds, according to law enforcement reports.

A suspect named Jaquez Myrick, aged 25, was apprehended on the same day, facing a federal charge for possessing a machine gun. Authorities reported that he was seen leaving the scene and was found in possession of a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion accessory.

University had over 70 officers for homecoming festivities

Classes were canceled on Monday and Tuesday. President Brown indicated he will hold town hall meetings for the campus community to address questions regarding the violence, and counseling services are being offered to students.

Despite the tragedy, Brown mentioned plans to continue the homecoming celebration, a significant event for historically Black colleges and universities.

“It’s a time for our students to reconnect with old friends,” said Brown. “We commemorate our journey and recognize how the university has shaped our lives, and we also support the institution financially, which has been transformative for us.”

This year, thousands were expected to attend the centennial events, and over 70 officers from various law enforcement agencies across Alabama and Georgia were hired for security. The university enforced a clear-bag policy and employed weapon detection dogs.

Brown emphasized that the event where the shooting occurred was not sanctioned by the university, but since it took place on campus, the institution is committed to facilitating a thorough investigation and implementing necessary corrective measures.

“Our students are our top priority, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure their safety,” Brown confirmed. “For 143 years, Tuskegee has been dedicated to serving its students and improving their lives, and we remain determined to continue this mission safely.”

Tuskegee University was established in 1881 by Dr. Booker T. Washington and Lewis Adams, who had once been enslaved. Initial funding came from the Alabama legislature, and the university’s first class consisted of 30 students.

Today, the university has over 3,000 students and is recognized for graduating more African American aerospace science engineers than any other institution in the country, according to their website.

Recent gun violence on college campuses

There have been incidents of gunfire at or near college campuses in at least four states since August.

Just last month, gunfire erupted near Tennessee State University following homecoming celebrations, resulting in one death and nine injuries. Later, the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut underwent an extended lockdown after a shooting occurred during a dispute on its premises.

In August, two 21-year-old men were arrested following a shooting on the campus of Virginia State University, where four individuals were injured, though none of the injuries were life-threatening. Police indicated that the shooting occurred shortly after midnight near the gym.

The Gun Violence Archive reports over 14,600 firearm-related deaths this year alone, and This year, there have been 28,000 firearm-related injuries reported in the United States. In 2022, firearms topped the list of leading causes of death among children and teenagers for the third consecutive year.

Specifically in Alabama, around 1,175 individuals lose their lives to gun violence annually, as reported by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. The center indicates that Alabama’s gun control laws are among the least stringent in the country, resulting in the fourth highest rate of firearm deaths.