Tuskegee, Alabama: Tragedy Strikes During Homecoming Celebration
In the early hours of Sunday, a mass shooting at Tuskegee University left one teenager dead and 16 others injured. La’Tavion Johnson, an 18-year-old graduate of Charles Henderson High School, lost his life during the chaotic event. His parents described him as a hero, revealing that he sacrificed himself to save someone else.
Who Was La’Tavion Johnson?
La’Tavion Johnson was known for his energetic and lively personality. His father, Larry Johnson, spoke fondly of him, stating, “He was an 18-year-old full of energy. He loved to play outside. He was country.” After graduating, Johnson worked at Piggly Wiggly and helped on a family farm. He was preparing to start a new job with the Alabama Department of Transportation next week.
What Happened?
The tragic shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday at the West Commons on-campus apartments, as Tuskegee University came to the end of its 100th Homecoming Week. Witness reports indicated that La’Tavion pushed a girl out of the way just before he was shot, prompting his father to label him a hero. Larry Johnson said, “On one of the videos, a girl said he pushed her out of the way, and that’s when he got shot.”
Where Did This Take Place?
The shooting took place at the West Commons, part of Tuskegee University’s on-campus living arrangements. Emergency responders and local law enforcement rushed to the scene to manage the situation and secure the area.
When Did This Occur?
The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, bringing a sudden and tragic end to a festive weekend at the university.
Why Did This Happen?
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear as the state Bureau of Investigations conducts a thorough investigation. Lieutenant Jeremy Burkett from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency confirmed that the chaos resulted in 12 individuals being shot, while four others suffered injuries amid the ensuing panic. La’Tavion’s death and the injuries to the others have left the community and authorities grappling with the senselessness of gun violence.
Current Developments
As of now, no one has been officially charged for La’Tavion’s death, though a suspect, 25-year-old Jaquez Myrick from Montgomery, was arrested for possessing a handgun with a machine gun conversion device. Myrick was apprehended leaving the scene of the shooting and faces federal charges.
Community Response
In light of the tragedy, Tuskegee University canceled all classes on Monday and provided grief counseling services to students and faculty. The Johnson family is heartbroken, recalling the bright spirit of their son. Tamika Johnson, La’Tavion’s mother, expressed her sorrow, stating, “He will be greatly missed.”
A Call for Change
Inspired by the tragic loss of their son, Larry Johnson is determined to see change in his community. He stated, “I’m going to see if I can talk to some preachers and get a Stop the Violence Rally going. We need to get rid of these guns because it’s getting ridiculous.” The family is also facing additional grief, as they lost another child in a car accident less than two years ago.
Conclusion
This shooting has sent shockwaves through the Tuskegee community and beyond, as many mourn the loss of La’Tavion Johnson—a young man remembered for his laughter and kindness. His heroic act may define his legacy, yet it also adds to the ongoing conversation about gun violence in America. The Johnson family continues to seek solace as they navigate through this painful chapter of their lives.
