100th Homecoming Ends In Tragedy

Saturday, Nov. 9, was Tuskegee University’s 100th Homecoming; and once again, a gun-carrying outsider began shooting on campus. It was supposed to be a celebration of tradition between two private HBCU's - Tuskegee University and Miles College in Fairfield, Ala. But instead as the night turned into morning, shots rang out.

This time, a person was killed. Latavion Johnson, an 18-year-old high school graduate from Troy who was not a student at the university died, and another 16 people - including at least two students - were injured, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Miles College released the following statement: "Today, our hearts are with the Tuskegee family as they face the tragic aftermath of the recent shooting on campus. We extend our deepest condolences to those impacted and pray for healing and justice. Miles College stands with you in this difficult time.”

By Sunday evening, Jaquez Myrick, 25, of Montgomery had been arrested and charged federally with possession of a machine gun. The case is being handled by the FBI.

Myrick was allegedly found in possession of a handgun with a machine gun conversion device, officials said. Law enforcement officers apprehended him leaving the scene of the shooting, ALEA said in a statement released Nov. 10.

A statement released by the University said: "Tuskegee University is working with ALEA as they continue the investigation. In support of the investigation and to provide space for mental health days the university will close Monday and Tuesday for students, faculty and staff. Only essential employees – such as food services, campus police and the Facilities team – are required to be on campus Monday and Tuesday.

"To support students, faculty and staff during this time, the university will provide in-person and virtual grief counselors. The university will also coordinate Town Halls with President Mark A. Brown for students and another for faculty and staff. The details will be shared in a follow-up note this morning."

However, on Nov. 12, the university announced it will cancel classes for the entire week.

A message sent to parents said: “Please encourage your scholar to go (to counseling). The first step to healing is to help each other.”

The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation say they were notified of the shooting around 1:40 a.m. Sunday. By 6:34 a.m. the University had acknowledged that the incident occurred on its campus in the West Commons area.

Anyone with information is asked to submit tips at 1-800-CALL-FBI and upload videos or photos at fbi.gov/tuskegeeshooting24.

Additionally, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to share it anonymously through their hotline: 334-215-7067.

Political leaders released statements in response to the tragedy.

Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) released the following statement:

“First, I want to share the deep sorrow and outrage I personally felt upon learning about the fatal shooting on the Tuskegee University campus that occurred while students and alumni gathered to celebrate the historic institution’s Homecoming.

“I also would like to extend my condolences for the family and friends of the person killed and express my concern for the 16 people injured and the hundreds of students who were traumatized by this senseless act of violence

“I want you to know that I stand in solidarity with you and know that we as a state will take immediate action to address and enhance safety measures on our college campuses.

“This is a call to action, and it will take all of us as a community, and as residents of the State of Alabama working together to stop gun violence, especially as it addresses the sale and use of rapid-fire guns and conversion devices that are turning our communities into combat zones.

“I am committed to working with local authorities and community leaders to implement strategies that prevent future instances of gun violence and to ensure that our students feel safe while pursuing their education.”

Alabama District 2 Congressman-Elect Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) released the following statement:

“Kalisha and I are praying for the victims of this tragedy in Tuskegee. It’s incredibly sad that families had to wake up this morning with their lives shattered. Gun violence is ripping apart too many communities and taking far too many lives, especially the lives of young black people. This is a problem we must address together as a community. Everyone has a role to play: parents, government officials, law enforcement, coaches, schools, clergy, businesses, community leaders and organizations, and residents. We must all work collectively to put an end to this, and I will work diligently to provide resources to address both the root causes and those that commit gun crimes.”