Memphis Student Describes Terrifying Shooting Experience at Tuskegee University Homecoming
Memphis, Tennessee – A University of Memphis student shared her harrowing experience following a shooting incident during Tuskegee University’s homecoming weekend. The tragic event unfolded early Sunday morning at the Alabama campus, resulting in 16 injuries and one fatality.
The student, Landree Mills-Williams, is a sophomore who previously attended Tuskegee University last year before transferring to the University of Memphis. She was in Alabama to reunite with friends when chaos erupted.
What Happened?
Shortly after the incident began, Mills-Williams recounted the terrifying atmosphere. โIt was just so much going on. People were falling down, others were shot, and many were desperately trying to find safety,โ she conveyed during a Zoom interview. She tried to help friends escape the violence, noting the confusion and panic as gunshots rang out.
Where Did It Occur?
The shooting took place on the Tuskegee University campus, a place Mills-Williams called home for a year. She described her emotions as she waited for police to release her vehicle, which remained behind police tape, damaged with a flat tire and bumper hanging loose.
When Did the Incident Occur?
The occurrences escalated early Sunday morning, leading to a chaotic search for safety among the crowd of students attending the festivities. By Monday, Mills-Williams was still processing the trauma of the event, having experienced firsthand the perilous moments that ensued.
Why Is This Important?
This incident highlights the ongoing issues of gun violence at educational institutions, particularly during events meant for celebration and unity. Mills-Williams reflected on how the joyous homecoming turned into a nightmare. โIt’s more traumatizing than anything, because the gunshots were never ending,โ she expressed, still shaken by the events.
Community Response
Mills-Williamsโ mother, Latangela Mills-Green, a school counselor, spoke about the fears parents face when sending their children to school. โAll the fears a parent could have, thatโs what I began to experience Sunday morning,โ she reflected, grateful that her daughter was not harmed.
She emphasized the broader implications of the shooting, noting, โMy heart goes out to parents, because we are sending our children to school just to learn, just for them to have a good time this weekendโฆfor this to happen is just unbelievable, unbelievably scary.โ
Aftermath and Recovery
As of Monday afternoon, Mills-Williams was able to retrieve her vehicle and drive back to Memphis, still processing what had transpired over the weekend. The community has expressed solidarity with those affected and is calling attention to the need for discussions about safety during events at educational institutions.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of students and the urgent need for improved safety measures on campus and at public gatherings.
The landscape continues to change as the city of Memphis prepares for cooler weather, with forecasts indicating cloud cover and potential rain later in the week. This shift in weather contrasts sharply with the emotional turmoil following the weekend’s events, encapsulating a community in need of healing.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
