Vonquae Johnson Obituary, Death – Ten individuals were shot, one fatally, in a shooting incident near Tennessee State University in Nashville on Saturday evening. The victim who lost his life was identified as 24-year-old Vonquae Johnson. Among the injured, the range of wounds varied from critical to minor graze injuries, as reported by the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD).
In total, three minors were involved in the shooting: a 12-year-old girl and two 14-year-old girls, all of whom were reported to be in non-critical condition at Vanderbilt Children’s University Pediatrics. The oldest victim, a 55-year-old woman, was in critical condition and underwent surgery that night at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
According to MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron, evidence indicated that two groups exchanged gunfire from opposite sides of the street shortly after 5 p.m. local time. However, the investigation has faced significant challenges. Authorities have not disclosed any arrests related to the shooting, and reports indicated that two injured individuals are unwilling to cooperate with police interviews, leading investigators to suspect their direct involvement in the incident.
Law enforcement continued to gather information on the scene and at nearby hospitals throughout Saturday night. Aaron expressed confidence that at least one person hospitalized was actively involved in the gunfire, stating that the individual was armed and participated in the shooting.
The violence overshadowed the conclusion of homecoming week for Tennessee State University. Earlier that day, a parade took place on Jefferson Street—the same location where the shooting occurred. The festivities included a football game that began at 5 p.m. at Nissan Stadium, several miles away. The street, which had been closed to vehicles for much of the day, reopened just 20 minutes before the gunfire erupted.
“This type of gun violence has just got to stop,” Aaron stated, expressing disbelief that such an incident could occur in the midst of a community celebration attended by numerous police officers and firefighters. The Nashville Fire Department (NFD) had personnel on Jefferson Street participating in the event when the shooting began, and they quickly acted as first responders.
Kendra Loney, a spokesperson for the NFD, voiced the department’s frustration, saying, “We are upset. We are angry about that disruption. The innocence in this event was taken away and lives were endangered.”
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell took to social media later that evening, reflecting on his experience participating in the morning parade. He noted the drastic shift in the atmosphere from a joyous celebration to one marred by violence. “What was a joyous atmosphere is tonight very different because of a senseless act of violence carried out by people who didn’t care who else might be caught in the crossfire,” he wrote.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities remain focused on identifying all parties involved and bringing them to justice, all while grappling with the impact of this tragic event on the community.