1 dead, 16 injured in shooting at Tuskegee University in Alabama

One person was killed and more than a dozen others injured in a shooting at Tuskegee University in Alabama early Sunday, authorities and the school said. The incident occurred as the historically black university celebrated the end of its 100th homecoming week.

The deceased person had nothing to do with Tuskegee University, the school said in a statement obtained by CBS News, noting that the person’s parents had been notified. Police said the shooting victim was 18 years old.

Twelve people, including Tuskegee University students, suffered injuries in the shooting and were hospitalized at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery. Four other people were injured in the incident, but not by gunfire, authorities said.

According to the university, emergency responders secured the scene with the help of campus authorities and local law enforcement. The State Bureau of Investigation in Alabama has opened an investigation into the shooting, which is ongoing.

“The university is in the process of completing student accountability and notifying parents. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” the university said.

It was unclear whether one or more suspects had been identified in the shooting. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which includes the State Bureau of Investigation, said in a news release issued just before noon Eastern Time on Sunday that there had been no arrests.

“At approximately 1:40 a.m., special agents received a report that multiple individuals had been shot on the campus of Tuskegee University,” the agency said, noting that they were “still in the process of gathering information about the sequence of events examine what ultimately led to the shooting.”

The university announced Sunday afternoon that classes would be canceled Monday “to ensure that officers and their law enforcement partners can continue the investigation as easily as possible.”

“The administration joins students in mourning the event after such a joyful weekend and will have grief counselors available in the chapel on Monday for students who wish to gather to discuss what happened,” the university said in a message to the Tuskegee Community. “Students should not hesitate to reach out to the Student Health Center for assistance if they choose to do so privately.”