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.
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison 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 area—with 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 Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
