Atlanta police affirm three youngsters had been injured in a late-night taking pictures close to Clark Atlanta College and Morris Brown School as homecoming celebrations had been underway
A weekend meant for delight and unity at Clark Atlanta College and Morris Brown School turned horrifying late Saturday evening. That’s when three youngsters had been shot close to the Atlanta College Middle (AUC).
The taking pictures occurred round 11:52 p.m. on October 25. It befell within the 500 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, only a brief distance from the campuses. Moreover, it’s inside view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In accordance with the Atlanta Police Division, the victims — ages 17, 18, and 19 — had been rushed to a close-by hospital with non-life-threatening accidents. Consequently, they’re all anticipated to get better.
Authorities say the victims heard gunfire earlier than realizing they’d been struck. As of October 27, no suspects have been recognized, no arrests made, and no motive decided. Police are asking anybody with info to contact investigators anonymously.
Incident Occurred Exterior Official Homecoming Occasions
Clark Atlanta officers had been fast to make clear that the taking pictures did not happen on college property. Moreover, it was not associated to any official homecoming occasions. The assault befell off-campus, throughout what investigators consider was an unsanctioned gathering held close by.
Clark Atlanta’s homecoming weekend had featured conventional festivities earlier within the day — together with a parade, tailgate, and soccer recreation — all of which concluded peacefully. The taking pictures occurred hours later at a separate location, the place crowds had been nonetheless within the space celebrating the homecoming ambiance.
No direct connection has been made to Morris Brown School both, although each establishments are a part of the Atlanta College Middle Consortium, which additionally consists of Spelman School and Morehouse School.
Atlanta Police Proceed to Examine
The Atlanta Police Division has confirmed that detectives are pursuing leads however haven’t launched any surveillance footage or suspect descriptions. The case stays energetic as officers assessment witness statements and close by safety digicam feeds.
Police have elevated patrols across the AUC in response to the incident, a part of a broader effort to scale back gun violence within the metropolis’s westside corridors — notably round giant campus gatherings.
This isn’t the primary time Clark Atlanta’s homecoming season has been marred by violence. In 2022, 4 folks had been injured in an identical off-campus taking pictures throughout homecoming weekend. The next yr, in 2023, an 18-year-old non-student was shot close to campus. Regardless of these incidents, Clark Atlanta continues to work with metropolis officers to make sure security throughout future celebrations.
A Troubling Weekend for HBCU Homecomings
The Atlanta taking pictures was one among a number of violent incidents reported at HBCU homecoming occasions throughout the nation over the identical weekend.
In Washington, D.C., 5 folks had been injured close to Howard College’s Yardfest celebration on October 24. Two suspects had been later arrested, and a number of firearms had been recovered.
In Pennsylvania, a tragic taking pictures at Lincoln College left one particular person useless and 6 others wounded on October 25. It was simply hours after the college’s soccer recreation and out of doors festivities ended.
Mixed with the Atlanta taking pictures, these incidents painted a grim image of what ought to have been a weekend of celebration for traditionally Black faculties and universities. Social media customers rapidly labeled it a “devastating weekend for HBCUs,” calling for stronger safety and preventative motion.
Sample of Violence at School Gatherings
Consultants say the latest surge in gun violence at college-related occasions displays broader nationwide traits. Regulation enforcement officers have cited challenges in controlling off-campus, unsanctioned gatherings, the place crowds swell past what campus police can deal with.
Whereas universities like Clark Atlanta and Howard College routinely coordinate with native authorities to extend safety throughout homecoming, they’ve restricted jurisdiction as soon as occasions transfer off college grounds.
These “comfortable goal” environments — the place crowds collect spontaneously with out formal oversight — have turn out to be more and more susceptible to gun violence. Atlanta police haven’t confirmed whether or not this weekend’s incident was random or focused.
Neighborhood Outrage and Grief On-line
The taking pictures rapidly went viral after being reported by @raphousetv2 on X. Due to this fact, producing tens of hundreds of views and lots of of feedback. The publish included pictures of Clark Atlanta’s campus gates and a nighttime picture of police responding on the scene, sparking widespread heartbreak and frustration.
Whereas preliminary reactions included confusion about whether or not the taking pictures occurred on college grounds, most customers have since echoed Clark Atlanta’s clarification that the violence occurred close by however not at official occasions.
Nonetheless, the emotional toll stays heavy. Many alumni and fogeys voiced outrage over what they see as a recurring sample of hazard surrounding HBCU gatherings.
“You ship your child to varsity for an schooling, to not fear about getting caught in crossfire,” one person wrote.
One other dad or mum shared that her pal’s son was on the scene, describing the chaos and worry that unfold as photographs rang out. Others known as it “heartbreaking” that younger folks can’t have fun their tradition and neighborhood with out worry.
Echoes of Previous Incidents
For Clark Atlanta college students and Atlanta residents, this second feels sadly acquainted. The 2022 homecoming taking pictures left 4 injured simply outdoors campus gates. On the time, police described the suspects as outsiders, and the case raised considerations about easy methods to higher handle giant crowds drawn by the AUC’s annual celebrations.
That very same sample seems to have repeated this yr. Regardless of elevated safety round official occasions, violence at unregulated gatherings stays a lingering risk.
The AUC neighborhood, made up of scholars from Clark Atlanta, Spelman, Morehouse, and Morris Brown, has lengthy been a hub of delight, unity, and celebration every October. Now, it finds itself as soon as once more in mourning and reflection.
Clark Atlanta’s Response and Subsequent Steps
Clark Atlanta College issued a public assertion expressing sympathy for the victims and reaffirming that the incident didn’t happen on campus or throughout official programming. The college emphasised its ongoing partnership with Atlanta Police and neighborhood organizations to strengthen off-campus security measures.
Directors additionally inspired college students to stay conscious of their environment, journey in teams, and keep away from unsanctioned gatherings late at evening.
Courses and occasions have continued as scheduled. Nevertheless, grief counselors and help providers have been made out there for college students and employees shaken by the violence.
Morris Brown School has echoed these sentiments, calling for unity and compassion as investigations proceed.
Investigation Ongoing
As of October 27, Atlanta Police haven’t recognized suspects, and no motive has been established. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing companies alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Drive for witnesses.
Police are urging anybody with info to contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta anonymously.
Whereas the victims are anticipated to get better, the emotional scars stay deep — each for these instantly affected and for the AUC neighborhood nonetheless therapeutic from earlier years’ violence.
For now, the main target stays on accountability and prevention — guaranteeing that subsequent yr’s homecoming season returns to what it’s meant to be: a celebration, not a criminal offense scene.
