Montgomery Man Charged with Illegal Gun Possession Following Tuskegee University Shooting
Montgomery, Alabama – A 20-year-old man has been charged with illegal possession of a machine gun following a search of his home. Jeremiah Williams was present at Tuskegee University during a mass shooting early Sunday morning that left one person dead and 16 others injured.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred in the predawn hours at the West Commons on-campus apartments. The event took place as Tuskegee University’s 100th Homecoming Week was concluding, shortly after a football game against Fairfield-based Miles College. La’Tavion Johnson, an 18-year-old, tragically died at the scene, reportedly while trying to protect someone else.
Charges and Investigation
Williams has been charged with possessing a gun equipped with a machine gun conversion device, often referred to as a switch. Federal documents indicate that investigation began over the summer, prior to the shooting, as part of a wider effort by the Metro Area Crime Suppression Detail in Montgomery.
Federal agents, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), arrested Williams during a search of his residence on Thursday. Special Agent Andrew Erdmann highlighted that Williams’ social media posts from that night raised concerns. He had posted about driving a white Dodge Charger, which witnesses reported was involved in the shooting.
Connection to the Shooting
Witness accounts indicated that shots were first fired from a vehicle matching the description of Williams’ Dodge Charger. Videos shared on social media captured moments of chaos outside the West Commons apartments, where celebrations were taking place. A witness suggested that the driver of the Charger discharged a firearm to clear the way for the car, prompting further gunfire.
Despite being present during the shooting, Williams is not charged with any crime directly related to the events that unfolded at Tuskegee. In interviews, Williams acknowledged hearing shots while inside his car but denied firing any weapon. He claimed he was unaware of who may have shot from his vehicle.
Legal Consequences and Community Impact
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Lieutenant Jeremy Burkett reported that of the 16 individuals injured during the shooting, 12 sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to hospitals in Montgomery and Lee County. The chaotic scene that ensued contributed to injuries among others present at the event.
Williams is the second individual apprehended for illegal possession of a firearm with a machine gun conversion device in connection to the shooting. Jacquez Myrick, aged 25, was also arrested on the Tuskegee campus soon after the shooting occurred. He has since admitted to firing his weapon but claims he did not injure anyone.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Investigators continue to sift through evidence, including social media posts and witness testimonies, to build a more comprehensive understanding of what transpired that night. The repercussions of the shooting resonate deeply within the Tuskegee community, raising serious concerns about safety and the use of firearms on campus.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward. The community watches closely as they seek justice for the impacts of this tragic incident.
