{"id":437779,"date":"2026-10-25T21:50:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-25T21:50:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/437779\/"},"modified":"2026-10-25T21:50:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T21:50:10","slug":"famu-local-and-state-officials-react-to-shooting-on-perry-street-saturday-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/437779\/","title":{"rendered":"FAMU, local and state officials react to shooting on Perry Street Saturday night"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Florida A&M University (FAMU), along with local and state officials, are reacting to a shooting on Perry Street Saturday night<\/a> that injured 12 people. <\/p>\n

FAMU President Marva Johnson released a statement on social media Sunday afternoon, saying she shares the community\u2019s outrage and pleaded for those with information to contact TPD.<\/p>\n

Johnson called the shooting \u201cdespicable\u201d and said that FAMU is providing its \u201cfull support\u201d to TPD officers and their investigation. She also said there are mental health resources available for FAMU students.<\/p>\n

Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds took to X (formerly Twitter) to say he was troubled by the incident, as he is familiar with FAMU.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am devastated by this senseless violence at FAMU on homecoming weekend. I walked this campus as a student and cannot imagine why someone would commit such a heinous act,\u201d Donalds said.<\/p>\n

I am devastated by this senseless violence at FAMU on homecoming weekend. I walked this campus as a student and cannot imagine why someone would commit such a heinous act.<\/p>\n

Praying for the 12 injured, including six children, and for the entire FAMU community.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) October 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly shared on social media that he is praying for the victims and their families.<\/p>\n

U.S. Senate candidate and State Rep. Angie Nixon expressed her sadness for the victims and their families in a statement Sunday morning. <\/p>\n

\u201cMy heart is broken for the victims, their families, and the entire community. Homecoming weekend at FAMU is a time of profound joy, pride, and connection. To see that beautiful sense of community shattered by senseless violence is devastating, and learning that multiple victims are children is even more horrifying. As we pray for the swift recovery of everyone hurt, we must also take action to care for everyone impacted by this trauma and for each other. The gun violence in our country has to stop, and it will take all of us working together to heal our communities and protect our kids.\u201d <\/p>\n

Florida U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody said on social media that the shooting is \u201cterrible news.\u201d She called for a \u201cthorough\u201d investigation into the incident.<\/p>\n

Terrible news following FAMU\u2019s homecoming game. My heart breaks for the victims and their families. <\/p>\n

We need a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice and put them behind bars.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Senator Ashley Moody (@SenAshleyMoody) October 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Leon County Commissioner Chairman Christian Caban said the news is heartbreaking and he is thinking of the victims, their families and all those affected.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur community stands together in support of our FAMU family and everyone affected by this terrible and unnecessary act of violence,\u201d Caban said.<\/p>\n

City Commissioner Jack Porter shared a statement on social media saying she was \u201chorrified\u201d by the incident. She shared mental health resources for those going through a hard time.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy heart goes out to the victims and the entire FAMU community. I am keeping everyone affected in my thoughts and prayers and praying for healing during this incredibly difficult time,\u201d Porter said.<\/p>\n

County Commissioner David O\u2019Keefe shared a statement on social media saying he is praying for the victims and emphasized the importance of a safe community.<\/p>\n

He thanked first responders and provided financial and mental health resources for those affected. <\/p>\n

\u201cFirearms continue to be the leading cause of death for children and teens\u2014 this does not have to be the case. Together we can act to make common-sense laws that give our community a secure and safe future,\u201d O\u2019Keefe said in a statement.<\/p>\n

Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack said Florida students and families should not have to fear violence of any kind. He was grateful to the Tallahassee Police Department and other first responders for their swift response.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the entire Rattler community after last night\u2019s tragic shooting near @FAMU_1887<\/a>. As a Tallahassee resident, this hits especially close to home,\u201d Mack said.<\/p>\n

My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the entire Rattler community after last night\u2019s tragic shooting near @FAMU_1887. As a Tallahassee resident, this hits especially close to home.<\/p>\n

Violence of any kind has no place in our communities. No student, no child, no family should have to experience the fear and heartbreak of senseless violence. @EducationFL stands with FAMU\u2019s students, faculty, and staff.<\/p>\n

Grateful to the Tallahassee Police Department and all first responders who responded so quickly. We pray for healing for everyone impacted.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Henry Mack (@HenmackIII) October 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow said Sunday that is thoughts are with the victims and their family. He said the community should \u201cwrap our arms\u201d around those affected.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur office will continue to share updates as we receive them. Please reach out if we can be of any assistance,\u201d Matlow said.<\/p>\n

FAMU Football Coach Quinn Gray said the Rattler\u2019s loss in their homecoming game wasn\u2019t the only thing on his mind Sunday. He said homecoming is about family and that no one should be caught in gunfire while celebrating FAMU.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis senseless violence has to stop. No argument and no altercation is worth a life,\u201d Gray said. <\/p>\n

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