The aroma of barbecue permeated the air on the campus of Alabama State University from sun up to sun down on Oct. 6, while hundreds of tailgaters lined their recreational vehicles on the east side of the Alabama State University’s football stadium for the university’s Homecoming football game.
Around 8 p.m., shots rang out at the tailgating event, causing everyone to flee as alumni, students and fans trample each other to run for cover.
Two people were arrested and charged in connection with the tailgate shooting, but further details remain limited.
The university confirmed the arrests in a statement released Oct. 7 but was unable to provide any details on the suspects’ names or charges. Mug shots and a motive were also unclear.
“The university’s Department of Public Safety is actively working with other law enforcement agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” a spokesperson said. “This is an ongoing investigation, and authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of the campus community.”
Officials said the two people were detained shortly after the incident.
“ASU appreciates the swift response of its Public Safety department team and the cooperation of local law enforcement agencies,’’ the statement read. “ASU remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors.”
According to the university’s Department of Public Safety, their officers in the area of the tailgaters reacted immediately after hearing the gunshots.
“Officers immediately responded to the scene and confirmed that the gunshots were fired into the air,’’ according to a previous university statement.
The statements continued, “There is currently no active shooter on campus. As a precaution, the university’s Department of Public Safety is advising all students, faculty and staff to seek a safe place for the remainder of the evening. Officers are actively monitoring the area to ensure the safety of the campus community.”
The next day, officials in the Department of Public Safety released the following statement.
“Regarding the incident that occurred near campus on Saturday evening, Alabama State University officials announced that two suspects were arrested shortly after the incident occurred, and the ASU Police Department is actively working with other law enforcement agencies to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
No formal charges have been announced, but officials said the university’s Department of Public Safety is actively working with other law enforcement agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
