Albany State University shooting: 19-year-old from Newnan killed, others injured

ALBANY, Ga. - A 19-year-old boy from Newnan was killed, and several other people were injured after a shooting at Albany State University, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. 

The shooting reportedly happened around 8:50 p.m. on the East Campus during homecoming weekend. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are currently unknown.

A former student told FOX 5 that initially he and the people he was with weren't sure what happened when they heard the gunshots.

"At first some people heard certain shots and were like ‘Oh is that fireworks?’ Because you know, it's homecoming," the student, who asked to remain anonymous, said. Shortly after the first round, he said a second went off from a little ways away.

In a video shared by another student, homecoming party-goers crouched behind cars out of fear that they may be hit by the gunfire.

A composite of shots from the video taken during the shooting at Albany State (Courtesy: Camille)

Five people were shot during the incident and one was injured while tryin gto run away. One person, De’Marion Tashawn Daniels, a 19-year-old from Newnan, was killed, the GBI said. Daniels was not an ASU student.

The other five victims include:

• A 13-year-old girl, from Albany, suffered a gunshot wound.
• A 17-year-old girl, a local high school student, suffered a gunshot wound.
• A 16-year-old girl, a local high school student, suffered a gunshot wound.
• A 20-year-old woman was grazed by a bullet.
• A 19-year-old woman was injured while attempting to flee.

The injured were taken to an area hospital for treatment.

The campus was placed on lockdown following the shooting, and a search was conducted for the suspect or suspects.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Albany State University’s interim President Lawrence M. Drake II released the following statement on Sunday morning:

Dear Family,

The Albany State University family is deeply saddened to learn of an incident that took place on campus at approximately 8:50 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024. As always, the safety and security of our ASU students, faculty and staff are the number one priority of this institution.

We have been informed that six individuals have sustained injuries. Sadly, one has been reported deceased. The GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) is leading the investigation and is being assisted by state and local agencies. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Albany State University remains committed to providing resources for the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our campus community. Counseling and other resources are available to students during this time. We are encouraging our students to make use of these resources as needed.

Respectfully,

Lawrence M. Drake II, Ph.D Interim President

Albany is located about 2-½ hours southeast of Atlanta. 

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Albany State University Police Department at 229-430-4711 or submit an anonymous tip by calling the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), visiting gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or using the See Something, Send Something mobile app.