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Reunion Weekend Marred by Gunfire at Tyner Recreation Complex

Tyner Alumni Event Shaken by Gunfire, Community Awaits Answers

A shooting incident at a multi-class alumni reunion in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on 13 July 2025, left four individuals injured and hospitalised with non-life-threatening wounds. The event, held at the Tyner Recreation Complex near Tyner High School, now operating as Tyner Middle High Academy, was attended by alumni from 38 graduating classes. According to the Chattanooga Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 3 p.m. local time at the 6800 block of Ty Hi Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered four victims, all of whom were transported by Hamilton County EMS to local hospitals for treatment.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a physical altercation occurred shortly before the shooting, close to the victims. The department’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, while the Crime Scene Unit is collecting physical evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing potential video footage. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not released any suspect information.

Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of sudden chaos. Jeoff Herman, speaking to WRCB, recounted that attendees were enjoying the festivities when gunfire erupted, causing panic. Children and infants were seen dropping to the ground to seek cover. Another witness, Dominic Burkes, reportedly assisted a young girl who had been shot, helping to stem her bleeding and comfort her until emergency services arrived. The Tyner Alumni Association, which had promoted the event on social media, has not yet issued a formal statement in response to the incident. The shooting has cast a sombre shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory reunion, prompting renewed concerns about public safety and gun violence in community settings.


Editor’s Note:

What happened at the Tyner alumni event in Chattanooga is both shocking and deeply upsetting. A day that was meant to bring joy, memories, and community spirit ended in fear and panic as gunshots rang out. That children and families had to run for cover during a school reunion shows just how serious the problem of gun violence has become, not just in cities or dangerous areas, but even at events meant for celebration and togetherness. The fact that the injured have survived is a relief, but the trauma will stay with them. It is simply not acceptable that people should feel unsafe at a school event. This is no longer rare or surprising, and that’s the most worrying part.

Skoobuzz strongly believes that this kind of violence cannot be normalised. Communities must stand up and demand real change. Better safety, stronger laws, and greater responsibility are urgently needed, not only from law enforcement but also from political leaders who too often turn a blind eye.