A manhunt is under way after one person was killed and another seriously injured after a shooting at a high school graduation ceremony, in Tennessee.
The attack took place at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), in Rutherford County, where the Riverdale High School’s graduation ceremony was just finishing at about 9pm, at the Murphy Center, on Wednesday.
Sgt Dan Goodwin, spokesperson for the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, confirmed that two people were shot near tennis courts by the athletic facility.
He said that one person was killed and the other was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Sgt Goodwin also said that the gunman was on the run and should be considered armed and dangerous.
"Tonight's shooting at Middle Tennessee State University is a tragedy for our community. We mourn with the family who lost a loved one and victim who was injured,” he told reporters.
A manhunt is now underway to find the shooter with Murfreesboro Police Department's criminal investigators working with campus police, the sheriff's office, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The university posted on Facebook about 9:15 pm telling people to leave the Murphy Center immediately and find a place to shelter.
Hailey Houston, an MTSU student, told of the panic when she received a message on her phone to take cover.
"I was about to take my dogs outside and we saw a light go through our living room and there was police outside with large flash lights and guns," she told FOX 17 News.
"I was just scared and terrified for you know people that were actually on the scene, you know? Because I can't imagine how that felt to see that happen. It's just tragic."
Another person said they heard "five shots" as families were taking photos with the graduation ceremony having just finished.
They reportedly said: "I heard five shots, looked and saw my 12-year-old daughter start running.
"I took off after her and she turned around and seen a child on the ground but we just keep running. So so sad. Truly is. My daughter said: 'Mum, I will never forget seeing them fall to the ground'."
Rutherford County School spokesman James Evans said Riverdale High School will be closed on Thursday.
