FBI Arrests Four in Connection With Mississippi Mass Shooting That Killed Six

Published: October 14, 2025, 22:20 EDT

Deadly Shooting in Small Mississippi Town Leaves Six Dead, Dozens Injured

Four people have been arrested following a mass shooting in Leland, Mississippi, that killed six people and left more than a dozen others injured over the weekend, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The attack, which took place during a homecoming celebration, is now among the deadliest shootings in the U.S. this year.

Suspects Charged With Capital and Attempted Murder

In a statement released Monday, the FBI’s Jackson Field Office said three men — Teviyon L. Powell, 29, William Bryant, 29, and Morgan Lattimore, 25 — have been charged with capital murder. A fourth person, Latoya A. Powell, 44, faces an attempted murder charge.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the suspects have legal representation. The Associated Press reported that messages left with the Washington County Public Defender’s Office seeking comment went unanswered.

Investigators said the gunfire “appears to have been sparked by a disagreement among several individuals,” though a specific motive has not yet been confirmed. Officials also noted that “other arrests are pending” as the investigation continues.

Chaos During Homecoming Celebration

The shooting unfolded late Friday night as crowds gathered in downtown Leland for homecoming festivities following a high school football game. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted, sending people fleeing through the streets.

Four victims died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries later. Shoes, personal items, and blood were left scattered across the pavement the following morning.

“It was the most horrific scene I’d ever seen,” said witness Camish Hopkins, who told the Associated Press she saw multiple people lying motionless on the ground while others screamed for help.

FBI Seeks Public’s Help and Identifies Suspects

Prior to the arrests, the FBI released images from surveillance footage showing one woman and three men identified as “unknown suspects.” The agency had asked the public to assist in identifying those individuals.

The announcement of arrests on Monday marked a significant development in the investigation, though federal officials emphasized that further suspects may still be at large.

One of Several Weekend Shootings in Mississippi

The Leland mass shooting was one of several violent incidents across Mississippi during the same weekend, many coinciding with homecoming celebrations at schools and universities.

In Heidelberg, a town about 85 miles southeast of Jackson, police discovered the bodies of two people — including a pregnant woman — on a high school campus Friday night. Authorities arrested an 18-year-old man who now faces two counts of murder and a firearms charge for allegedly bringing a weapon onto school property.

Meanwhile, at Alcorn State University in Claiborne County, three people were shot near a campus building on Saturday evening, killing one person, according to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. The shooting occurred hours after the school’s homecoming football game, which drew more than 7,000 spectators. No arrests have been announced in that case.

Later that same night, Jackson police responded to reports of gunfire near the tailgating area outside Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, where Jackson State University hosted Alabama State University. Officers said a juvenile was shot in the abdomen and hospitalized. Police have not provided updates on any arrests or the victim’s condition.

Growing Concern Over Gun Violence and Mass Killings

According to the Associated Press/USA TODAY/Northeastern University Mass Killing Database, the Leland tragedy marks the 14th mass killing in the United States in 2025. The database defines such incidents as those involving four or more victims killed intentionally within a 24-hour period, excluding the perpetrator.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged communities to remain vigilant. State officials have pledged full cooperation with the FBI and local law enforcement agencies as investigations into the multiple shootings continue.

Investigation Ongoing as Community Mourns

The FBI has maintained an active presence in Leland as agents continue collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The agency is working alongside the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Leland Police Department.

Local officials said counseling services and community support programs are being made available for residents affected by the tragedy.

“This community is hurting deeply,” said a Leland city spokesperson. “We are working with state and federal partners to bring justice to the victims and restore a sense of safety.”

Homecoming Weekend Turned Tragic

Homecoming festivities across Mississippi are typically times of reunion and celebration, drawing students, alumni, and families to local events. However, this year’s celebrations were overshadowed by violence that left communities reeling.

Law enforcement officials have increased patrols and announced plans to review security measures for future public events. “We will not tolerate this level of violence in our towns,” said a spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

As of Monday night, authorities had not released the names of the victims, pending notification of next of kin.

National Response and Broader Implications

Gun violence remains a persistent challenge across the United States, particularly during large gatherings. Experts warn that the clustering of such incidents over the same weekend underscores the urgent need for stronger community outreach and prevention efforts.

Federal officials said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is assisting in tracing the weapons used in the Leland shooting to determine their origins and whether they were legally obtained.