The Murfreesboro Police Department has made an arrest related to Wednesday night’s high school graduation shooting.
More than 400 Riverdale seniors and their families were leaving MTSU’s Murphy Center when shots were fired outside the building. 18-year-old Hasani Brewer, former Riverdale student, was killed. 17-year-old Riverdale junior has sustained injuries but is in stable condition.
According to Larry Flowers, a spokesperson for the department, a 17-year-old was taken into custody and will be charged with first-degree murder. The two victims were in an altercation when the alleged shooter fired into the crowd, Flowers said at a press conference on Thursday early evening.
At a school district meeting Thursday morning, school board member Claire Maxwell shared her thoughts and prayers.
“The Riverdale community is hurting today, and this board promises to do all we can do to help in any way,” said Maxwell, who represents the school. She is also a graduate.
The Tennessee chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, two grassroots organizations focused on ending gun violence, said the shooting was another painful reminder of the consequences of inaction on gun safety.
“It’s devastating that every aspect of our lives can be upended by gun violence,” wrote Zack Maaieh, a volunteer with the group, in a press release. “This should’ve been a celebratory night to commemorate the hard work and achievements of these students. But, instead, an act of gun violence stole the show and turned it into a tragedy.”
The district says Riverdale High School will be closed again on Friday for students out of precaution. They plan to send several counselors to the school when it reopens on Monday.
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