MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — One person is dead and another is critically injured after a shooting that happened Wednesday night on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.
Police arrested a 17-year-old in connection to the shooting. On Thursday afternoon, the family confirmed Hasani Sonny Gant Brewer was the individual who died. One other is critically injured and in stable condition. The shooter and victims knew each other and all had attended Riverdale High School.
While the campus is down to Maymester students and freshmen orientations during the day, Riverdale High School used Murphy Center for its commencement ceremony starting at 7 p.m. The 450-student graduation had ended by the time the shooting took place outside of the center, investigators said.
"Tonight's shooting at MTSU is a tragedy. We mourn with the family who lost a loved one and the victim injured. Police found two people suffering from gunshots near the tennis courts. The shooting occurred as individuals were leaving the graduation," Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Dan Goodwin said. "We are asking for the public's patience. We are at ground zero on this investigation."
Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh told NewsChannel 5 two people were shot. One is dead and the other was critically injured, but is in stable condition. K-9 units and officers were canvassing the area for several hours after the shooting.
Witnesses reported hearing between six and eight gunshots. Police said this may have started with an argument between two men.
Riverdale High School will be closed Thursday as a precaution, according to Rutherford County Schools spokesperson James Evans. Parents will be notified Thursday about whether the school will reopen on Friday.
During a meeting to interview three director of school candidates, the Rutherford County School Board held a moment of silence and board member Claire Maxwell read a statement.
"My heart is breaking for the victims of last night's tragic ending to Riverdale graduation. What should have been the greatest night of their young lives instead turned into everyone's worst nightmare. My thoughts and prayers go out to the young life lost and his family and my prayers are also extended to the other young man critically injured. The Riverdale community is hurting today and we this board do all promise to do all that we can to help in any way," she said.
Blackman High School's graduation will continue to be held at the Murphy Center on Thursday night as scheduled.
On Thursday morning, officials with Middle Tennessee State University released the following statement in response to the shooting.
"Our hearts go out to the Riverdale students, faculty and family members affected by Wednesday night’s tragedy. MTSU has offered support to Murfreesboro Police and other law enforcement agencies in their investigation. This was not an MTSU event, as Murphy Center is rented by Rutherford County Schools for its high school commencements, and we are not aware of any involvement or connection in the incident by members of the MTSU community. We will work closely with the school system regarding their needs for tonight’s ceremony for Blackman High School."
Early Thursday morning, MTSU tweeted there was no longer a threat on campus.
MTSU Alert: The threat no longer appears to exist on campus, and it is safe to resume normal activities. The investigation remains active. Please report any suspicious activity to MTSU Police at 615-898-2424
— MTSU News (@MTSUNews) May 19, 2022
MTSU is asking those to report any suspicious activity to 615-898-2424.
