One dead, one injured in shooting at Middle Tennessee State University
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. May 20 2022 One person is dead and another is critically injured after a shooting that happened Wednesday night on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.
While the campus is down to Maymester students and freshmen orientations during the day, Riverdale High School used Murphy Center for its commencement ceremony starting at 7 p.m. Graduation of the class of 450 students had ended by the time the shooting took place outside of the center, investigators said.
Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh told NewsChannel 5 two people suffered gunshot wounds. One is dead with the other critically injured but in stable condition. The shooter or shooters remain at large. K-9 units and officers are canvassing the area.
Police have no suspect information.
“Tonight’s shooting at MTSU is a tragedy. We mourn with the family who lost a loved one and the victim injured. Police found two people suffering from gunshots near the tennis courts. The shooting occurred as individuals were leaving the graduation,” Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Dan Goodwin said. “We are asking for the public’s patience. We are at ground zero on this investigation.”
Witnesses reported hearing between six and eight gunshots.
Many people were still milling about in the area. This may have started with an argument between two men.
Riverdale High School will be closed Thursday.
“School is closed as a precaution,” Rutherford County Schools spokesperson James Evans said. “We are doing this as a precaution only.”
Parents will be notified Thursday about whether school will reopen on Friday, Evans said.
Early Thursday morning, MTSU tweeted there was no longer a threat on campus.
MTSU is asking those to report any suspicious activity to 615-898-2424.
