In less than 24 hours the U.S. has experienced gun violence at three high school graduations. One happened in Hammond, Louisiana, one in Gaines Township, Michigan, and one in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. One person has died, and seven others were injured.
Four people were shot Thursday night at Southeastern Louisiana University’s campus where Hammond High School was hosting its graduation. The gunfire erupted as students were leaving the ceremony and meeting with their relatives, reports 4WWL. No minors were injured, and none of the injuries sustained by the victims were life-threatening. A suspect in the shooting was arrested at the scene.
Classes at Hammond High School for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will be held remotely on Friday.
In Gaines Township, Michigan, two people were shot in the parking lot after the Crossroads Alternative High School graduation ceremony at East Kentwood High School, reports WOODTV. At about 7:20 p.m. on Thursday as everyone was leaving the stadium, several individuals in two white sedans exchanged gunfire. A 16-year-old boy and 40-year-old woman were shot. Both were taken to local hospitals where the boy was treated for a gunshot wound to the wrist. The woman was shot in the abdomen and wrist and is in critical but stable condition.
No suspects have been arrested in the graduation shooting.
Four schools in the area will be closed on Friday due to the shooting. Those campuses include East Kentwood High Freshman Campus, East Kentwood High, Pinewood Middle School, and Crossroads Alternative.
In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, an 18-year-old student was killed at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) as the Riverdale High School graduation ceremony was ending. The deceased student has been identified as Hasani Brewer. A 17-year-old male was also injured during the ordeal, reports DNJ.com.
The shooting happened just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday when both victims got into a fight with another person who started shooting. A 17-year-old suspect has been apprehended.
Riverdale High School will be closed until Monday, and counselors will be available to students and staff members. MTSU is already on summer break.
All three of these high school graduation shootings happened after the ceremonies had concluded and attendees were leaving the venues. The shootings did not happen where the events were actually being held.
