FAMU School Shooting

December 2, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements, Violent Crimes Social Share

A shooting took place on FAMU’s Tallahassee campus over Thanksgiving weekend, which resulted in four injuries and one fatality. This article will provide details from the case along with information on FAMU’s resources.

What was the Incident?

Four people were injured, and one was killed on November 27^th, 2022 outside FAMU’s Hansel Tookes Student Recreation Center on campus. There have not yet been any arrests made.

According to FAMU President’s response on Twitter, the shooting took place around 4:30 pm on the outdoor basketball courts at 2100 block of Wahnish Way. An alert was sent out for people in the area to stay indoors and to shelter in place which has since been suspended. Police have said there is no longer an immediate threat to public safety. However, there is no suspect description at this time.

The report indicated the victim that died was an adult male, and the four other victims included one juvenile boy and three adult males. Their injuries range from minor to serious. None of the victims appear to be FAMU students.

The following is an official statement from FAMU President Larry Robinson:

“I want to assure the FAMU community the shooting incident that occurred on campus is not an ongoing threat to the University. The safety and security of our students, and the campus is the highest priority. Our Campus Safety Department is working with the Tallahassee Police as the investigation continues. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”

TPD Detectives are asking anyone with information who may have witnessed the shooting to contact TPD at (850) 891-4200.

A Prayer Vigil will be held on Friday, December 2, at 11 am in the area where the shooting took place in the outdoor basketball courts.

Mass Shootings and Gun Regulation

While some news outlets, and even the school, have been calling this incident a mass shooting, this thankfully is not quite the case. A mass shooting is defined as any incident in which four or more people are shot and killed, excluding the shooter. Unfortunately, the United States experiences an average of 19 mass shootings every year, which has ranged from 15 in 2010 to a high of 24 in both 2011 and 2013.

According to a study by Everytown Research, the U.S. has experienced 289 mass shootings since 2009. The mass shootings resulted in 1074 people being shot and injured, and 1622 being shot and killed. Florida has had 18 mass shootings since 2009 and is placed as #3 for the most mass shootings by state.

The study found that mass shootings often have the following elements:

• Perpetrated by an individual who was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm;
• Perpetrated by someone who displayed prior warning signs;
• Displayed previous acts of violence; and
• Are far deadlier/result in more casualties when they involve assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

When it comes to gun regulation, the nation does not currently have a comprehensive federal law that requires background checks on all gun sales across the country. This makes it extremely easy for individuals to purchase firearms, regardless of past offenses or mental state. from unlicensed sellers.

In 29 out of 50 states, people can avoid background checks and purchase firearms from unlicensed sellers or strangers online. The study found that 1 in 3 mass shooters was legally prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of the shooting. To learn more about charges on carrying a concealed weapon, read our informative page here.

In June 2022, the Florida Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the long-running legal issues of the 2011 “Preemption Law.” The law allows the State to fine local officials and governments for approving stricter gun laws. Leon County Circuit Court initially overturned the law, but the 1^st District Court of Appeals overturned that ruling in 2021. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried—along with 30 local governments—appealed the decision to the Florida Supreme Court.

“We should be talking about how to save lives and prevent active shooter terrorist, but instead the state of Florida wants to punish local government and officials who pass gun safety measures,” Fried said in a statement. “Especially in a state that has seen some of the worst mass shootings in the history of our country, this law in dangerous, callous, and completely backwards.”

To find out more about gun regulation and the 2011 law reaching the Supreme Court, read our page here.

FAMU Resources

FAMU Police / Department of Campus Safety & Security – FAMU’s Department of Campus Safety and Security is the first HBCU law enforcement agency accredited by three separate law enforcement agencies. The Department is committed to providing students, faculty, and visitors of FAMU a safe environment where anyone can live, work, and visit safely.

To report a crime on FAMU’s campus, contact DCSS’s Office by dialing “4045” from any campus extension, or call (407) 254-4045. In case of an emergency, call 911 or (850) 599-3256. For all other non-emergency FAMU contact information, refer to their page here.

College Applicant with Criminal Record

When an individual wishes to apply to a Florida university, each school’s Disciplinary Committee will have jurisdiction over any violation cases. Operational procedures are subject to review and appeal.

A college application can ask if you have ever been charged with a crime that resulted in probation, community service, imprisonment, or the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. The application can also ask if you have ever been charged with a felony offense. If the person applying answers ‘yes’ to either, they must provide a statement about the incident and submit any criminal history records to be evaluated before considering admission.

Any returning students must indicate if they have had any involvement in a criminal act, which is later reviewed by the university’s Disciplinary Review Board for their recommendation. The disciplinary action is then determined by the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Disciplinary Committee.

To read more about FAMU’s Disciplinary Review Board, find our page here.

Finding a Defense Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

If you or a loved one have been accused of a crime, make it your first move to speak with a legal professional. Especially for teens and young college students, getting convicted of a crime can completely alter the track of your future. Don Pumphrey and his team have years of experience representing clients of all ages across Florida. Speak with one of our defense attorneys today to see how we can help your case. Free consultations at (850) 681-7777 or leave an online message on Pumphrey Law Firm’s site.

Written by Karissa Key

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