A man shoots himself in the stomach at the Southern Heritage Classic tailgate, right before the game.
WREG spoke to MPD Assistant Chief of Police Don Crowe, who confirmed the shooting occured in the parking lot of the Liberty Bowl. Investigators believe this was an accidental shooting.
Chief Crowe stressed there is no suspect and the public does not need to be concerned at this time.
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The man was taken to the hospital in critical condition. It is unclear how the firearm discharged in this instance.
More than 51,000 people packed the Liberty Bowl and fairgrounds for the 33rd annual Southern Heritage Classic. The Classic comes at time when Memphis is dealing with a stretch off violence which left a jogger murdered and six people shot during a shooting spree this week.
“My anxiety was on 100,” said attendee Cynetria Newbern. “I was like ‘I’m not going’, but after this week and you calm down and realize that we are still who we are, Memphis, and we all stick together.”
In an effort address security concerns, organizers implemented a clear bag policy and claimed to screened attendees.
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Despite the measures put in place inside of the Liberty Bowl, it did not stop a shooting from occurring in the parking lot.
While investigators are describing it as an isolated incident, it’s alarming to attendees, given the timing.
“It’s unfortunate that there is crime here in Memphis, but that’s nationwide epidemic and it ain’t just in Memphis,” said Bryant Hobbs. “I always continue to pray and hopefully the crime will subside in Memphis.”
With this possibly being the last Southern Heritage Classic between Tennessee State University and Jackson State University, many are remaining optimistic about the game’s future.
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