3 High School Graduation Shootings in 24 Hours Leave 1 Dead, 7 Wounded in Louisiana, Michigan, Tennessee
Shootings erupted in high school graduation ceremonies in Louisiana, Michigan, and Tennessee in the past 24 hours, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
According to WWLTV, four people were shot after a gunman opened fire at Southeastern Louisiana University's campus on Thursday night when the Hammond High School graduation was being held within the building.
Tangipahoa Parish Schools Superintendent Melissa Stilley told the outlet that shots rang out as students were exiting the university's activity center and were meeting with their relatives.
Stilley apologized to the families and students who attended the ceremony, adding that it should have been a very happy occasion for them but "ended on such a sad note."
Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron noted that no juveniles or high school students were among the wounded. He added that none of the injuries were considered life-threatening.
Witness Penny Lapre said she heard five gunshots as she and her loved ones were leaving the activity center, Daily Mail reported. Police said one person is in custody.
The suspected gunman was apprehended at around 8:30 p.m. A photo from a witness showed the man on the ground being handcuffed. Louisiana Rep. John Kennedy offered his prayers to families affected by the shooting incident.
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Michigan Graduation Shooting
Another gunfire erupted outside a high school graduation in Michigan on Thursday. Authorities said two people were caught in the crossfire.
In a press briefing Thursday night, Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young said a 16-year-old boy and 40-year-old woman were hurt.
The two innocent bystanders were shot outside a graduation ceremony for East Kenwood High School students, New York Post reported.
LaJoye-Young said the shootout took place between people in two white sedans in the parking lot as a crowd was leaving the school's stadium shortly after 7 p.m. Both cars sped away after multiple rounds were fired.
Sheriff deputies were reportedly inside the stadium when they heard gunshots. However, the suspects had already fled by the time they reached the parking lot.
LaJoye-Young said both victims are in stable condition after they were rushed to a hospital. She noted that the teen from Texas was shot in the wrist, while the woman from Grand Rapids was hit on the stomach and wrist.
LaJoye-Young said she was not sure how many bullets were fired but noted that a "large number of shots were fired at this scene." She said the police were pursuing at least two shooters.
Tennessee Graduation Shooting
A 17-year-old has been arrested in a deadly shooting at a Tennessee university that occurred after a high school graduation ceremony.
According to NBC News, the shooting happened almost 9 p.m. Wednesday as the students and their families were leaving the ceremony at the Middle Tennessee State University.
Police said Hasani Brewer, 18, was killed, and a 17-year-old high school student was wounded. According to police spokesperson Larry Flowers, Brewer and the teenager, who was shot, had gotten into a fight when a third person opened fire.
Police said the shooting happened near tennis courts as the crowd was leaving the Riverdale High School graduation ceremony, which was being held at the university campus.
Police said the suspect is a former student at the high school, but his identity has been withheld due to his age. Flowers said the suspect, who is also 17, will be arraigned in a juvenile court on a first-degree murder charge.
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Written by: Mary Webber
WATCH: 4 Shot Outside High School Graduation in Hammond - From WWLTV