1 dead, 9 injured in shooting at homecoming event near Tennessee State University in the US

Gunfire erupted in a crowd near a Tennessee university Saturday afternoon, killing one person and wounding nine others, police said.

A crowd that had gathered earlier in the day for homecoming events at Tennessee State University began to thin out when gunfire broke out between two groups around 5 p.m., Metro Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron said. He said bullet casings suggested there was an exchange of gunfire between the groups on a street near the campus.

Metro Nashville Police Commander Anthony McClain said the shooting did not appear to be directly related to events at Tennessee State University, which included a parade and other celebrations earlier in the day. The soccer game was taking place in a different part of the city when the shooting occurred.

“It’s unfortunate that a few people ruined it for everyone,” McClain said. “We have to get to a point to stop this violence.”

A police statement on social media said a 24-year-old man had died. The victims included two 12-year-olds and a 14-year-old with non-critical injuries, Aaron said.

Police spokeswoman Brooke Reese said at least some of the wounded appeared to have been involved in the shooting.

Police and firefighters who were present for the day’s activities were able to quickly respond to the shooting, authorities said. Fire department spokeswoman Kendra Loney said some firefighters used belts as tourniquets.

Witness Jashawna Rucker told WTVF-TV that chaos ensued after people heard the shots and she saw people crying as they ran to safety.

“I’m thankful I didn’t lose my life and I wasn’t shot,” Rucker said.

Rauf Muhammad told The Tennessean that he was selling food in a tent along the road when he heard the shots and fell to the ground.

“Everyone is having fun, playing music or something. Then suddenly you hear as if you were at war somewhere,” Muhammad told the newspaper.