A terrible incident occurred at Albany State University’s Homecoming weekend, where a 19-year-old from Newnan, De’Marion Tashawn Daniels, was shot.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Daniels, who was not a student at ASU, died during the incident. The tragedy happened on Saturday, jolting the Albany community and overshadowing what was intended to be a fun weekend.
The GBI reported that, in addition to Daniels’ death, five others were injured in the incident. The victims included a 13-year-old girl from Albany, a 17-year-old girl from a local high school, a 16-year-old girl from another area high school, a 20-year-old woman who was grazed by a gunshot, and a 19-year-old woman who was injured while attempting to flee the chaotic scene.
These victims’ injuries ranged in severity, with the 13-year-old and the high school girls suffering from bullet wounds. All of those injured were treated swiftly at a triage facility set up on campus before being transferred to a hospital for additional care.
The incident took place around 8:50 p.m. in a packed area near a campus performance, according to the GBI. The gunshot occurred near the Student Union on ASU’s East Campus. Some of the injured individuals were treated inside the Student Union while emergency personnel sought to control the situation.
As of now, police have not identified a suspect, and the motive for the shooting is unknown. Albany Police Chief Michael Persley provided preliminary information but stated that detectives had yet to ascertain the reasons for the attack.
The school was immediately placed under lockdown while authorities, led by the GBI, searched for the shooter and any potential suspects. Despite their efforts, no arrests have occurred.
Following the incident, Albany State University’s interim president, Lawrence M. Drake II, released a statement reiterating the university’s dedication to the safety and well-being of its students, professors, and staff.
He told the community that resources, including counseling services, were available to assist individuals impacted by the incident. President Drake encouraged students to use these services to deal with the emotional and physical stress caused by the incident.
Authorities want anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The Albany State University Police Department and the GBI Tip Line are actively looking for tips, which can be sent anonymously via phone, online, or the “See Something, Send Something” mobile app.
The investigation is still underway, as law enforcement looks for answers in this horrific act of violence.
