FBI Arrests Four After Mississippi Weekend Mass Shooting
A tragic mass shooting in Leland, Mississippi, over the weekend resulted in six fatalities and numerous injuries, prompting arrests and an ongoing investigation. The FBI reported on Monday that four individuals have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
Details of the Arrests
The FBI announced that three men—Teviyon L. Powell (29), William Bryant (29), and Morgan Lattimore (25)—face charges of capital murder. Additionally, Latoya A. Powell (44) was charged with attempted murder. It remains uncertain whether any of the suspects have legal representation.
Context of the Shooting
The shooting transpired on Friday night during homecoming celebrations in downtown Leland. It followed a local high school football game and was the most lethal incident among various shootings reported across Mississippi that weekend. A spokesperson for the FBI indicated that the violence stemmed from a disagreement between several individuals, although no specific motive has been established.
Impact on the Community
The aftermath left four victims dead at the scene, with witnesses describing a horrific scene of chaos. Various abandoned personal items and blood stains marked the downtown street the following day. Witness Camish Hopkins recounted the tragedy, stating, “It was the most horrific scene I’d ever seen.”
Wider Implications of the Violence
This incident marks the 14th mass killing in 2025, according to the Mass Killing Database maintained by The Associated Press, USA TODAY, and Northeastern University. This database tracks intentional homicides across the U.S. where four or more individuals were killed within 24 hours, excluding the perpetrator.
Other Shootings in Mississippi
The weekend also saw additional violence in the state:
- In Heidelberg, authorities discovered two bodies on a high school campus, including that of a pregnant woman. An 18-year-old male was arrested on two counts of murder and firearm possession on school grounds.
- At Alcorn State University, three individuals were found with gunshot wounds following a homecoming game, and one victim succumbed to injuries.
- In Jackson, a juvenile was hospitalized after being shot during tailgating at a football game, but no arrests were made in this incident either.
The string of shootings over the weekend raises significant concerns regarding public safety and community violence in Mississippi.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI confirmed that further arrests are likely as investigations continue. The focus remains on uncovering more details surrounding the mass shooting incident in Leland.
