A celebratory event near Prairie View A&M University in Waller County, Texas, was disrupted by gunfire on the night of November 5, 2023. The sheriff’s office reports that seven individuals were injured during the incident at a college homecoming party.
Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 10 p.m. following reports of a “trail ride pasture party,” which had drawn a crowd of over 1,000 people. Initially a blend of a traditional trail ride and a university homecoming celebration, the event escalated into chaos when an argument among partygoers led to a shooting.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement officials found seven people – four adult women, two adult men, and a male juvenile – suffering from gunshot wounds. These individuals, who were struck in their lower extremities, were not directly involved in the altercation and are considered innocent bystanders. Their injuries have been deemed non-life-threatening.
The event had official sanction but failed to comply with established security protocols, raising questions about the enforcement of safety measures at large-scale events.
The shooters’ identities remain unknown, and the Waller County Sheriff’s Office is diligently working to identify and capture those responsible. They are seeking information from witnesses and requesting any video or photographic evidence of the incident.
The shooting’s proximity to Prairie View A&M University and its association with the homecoming weekend spotlight the issues of student safety and the responsibility of event organizers. This incident has cast a pall over the university’s homecoming festivities and sparked discussions about security at similar events.
The sheriff’s office has not revealed if the victims were affiliated with the university or detailed the nature of the altercation that led to the shooting. They continue to ask the public to come forward with any relevant information or evidence. In the wake of the shooting, a university spokesperson has expressed concern for the injured and emphasized the university’s dedication to the safety of its students and the local community.
