One shot dead, another critical after high school graduation at MTSU: 'It's just tragic'

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WZTV) — One person is dead and another is in critical condition after a shooting Wednesday night at Middle Tennessee State University in Rutherford County. Police on Thursday arrested the 17-year-old gunman and charged him with first-degree murder.

It happened following Riverdale High School's graduation at the Murphy Center on MTSU's campus.

RELATED: Police identify person of interest in deadly Tennessee high school graduation shooting

Sgt. Dan Goodwin, a spokesperson for the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, said two people were shot near the tennis courts next to the athletic facility.

One of them died. He's been identified as Hasani “Sunny” Brewer Gant, an 18-year-old former graduate of Riverdale High School.

A 17-year-old was taken to the hospital in critical, but stable condition.

Goodwin called the shooting a tragedy for the community.

“We mourned with the family who lost a loved one and the victim who was injured,” he told the media.

Murfreesboro Police Department's criminal investigators are working with campus police, the sheriff's office, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol to continuing searching for the gunman.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Nearby residents were asked to stay clear of the area and call police if they notice anything suspicious. As of approximately 5 a.m. CST, the school reported there is no active threat on campus and normal activities would resume, although they said the investigation will continue.

Hailey Houston, a student at MTSU, tells FOX 17 News she got an alert on her phone from the school late Wednesday night.

"I was about to take my dogs outside and we saw a light go through our living room and there was police outside with large flash lights and guns," Houston said. "I guess because the shooter is on foot and there is a small wooded area behind our little townhouses."

Houston says she lives about half a mile from the Murphy Center.

"I was just scared and terrified for you know people that were actually on the scene, you know? Because I can't imagine how that felt to see that happen. It's just tragic," Houston added.

Another witness said graduation was over and families were taking pictures when she heard five shots.

"I heard five shots, looked and saw my 12-year-old daughter start running," the witness said. "I took off after her and she turned around and seen a child on the ground but we just keep running. So so sad. Truly is. My daughter said 'Mom, I will never forget seeing them fall to the ground.'"

Blackman High School is slated to hold graduation ceremonies at MTSU on Thursday evening, a spokesman for Rutherford County Schools stating the ceremony will continues as planned.

MTSU issued the following statement on the shooting:

"Our hearts go out to the Riverdale students, faculty and family members affected by Wednesday night’s tragedy. MTSU has offered support to Murfreesboro Police and other law enforcement agencies in their investigation. This was not an MTSU event, as Murphy Center is rented by Rutherford County Schools for its high school commencements, and we are not aware of any involvement or connection in the incident by members of the MTSU community. We will work closely with the school system regarding their needs for tonight’s ceremony for Blackman High School."

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