Mass Shooting Devastates Leland, Mississippi During Homecoming

In the early hours of October 11, 2025, the small town of Leland, Mississippi, was devastated by a mass shooting during its high school homecoming celebrations, resulting in seven fatalities and over a dozen injuries.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Main Street, following a football game. Initially, four people were reported dead at the scene, with two more succumbing to their injuries later, bringing the death toll to six. A week later, a seventh victim, 25-year-old Ebanee Williams, died from her injuries. Over a dozen individuals were wounded during the gunfire.

At least nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting. Among them, Teviyon L. Powell, 29, William Bryant, 29, and Morgan Lattimore, 25, have been charged with capital murder. Latoya A. Powell, 44, faces an attempted murder charge. The FBI suggests the violence may have stemmed from a dispute among several individuals. The FBI is continuing its investigation and has shared images of individuals wanted for questioning.

The shooting deeply shook Leland, a tight-knit community. Mayor John Lee expressed the town's grief, stating, "This is not who we are; this is a tragedy that cuts deep into our community." Local leaders are organizing vigils and grief counseling services for victims and their families. Churches across the Delta plan to hold prayer services as the region comes to terms with the loss.

The Leland shooting was part of a series of violent incidents across Mississippi during the same weekend. In Heidelberg, two people were fatally shot on a school campus during homecoming events. Another shooting at Alcorn State University resulted in one fatality and two injuries. These incidents have raised concerns about the proliferation of firearms and public safety during community events.

As the investigation continues, the community of Leland remains united in mourning and resilience, seeking justice for the victims and striving to prevent such tragedies in the future.