Photo Submitted by Cedric Tisdale
Cedric Tisdale is getting around on crutches after being shot outside a house party early Saturday morning.
Partying can be fun and dangerous simultaneously.
When senior information technology major Cedric Tisdale went out for a night of fun on Friday, he did not think he would end up being shot and taken by ambulance to a hospital.
While attending a dance organization-oriented party near Florida A&M University’s campus, four students were shot and rushed to the hospital – including Tisdale.
“I was having a really good time, didn’t expect the night to have a dramatic turn”, said Marleak Barriner, who was also shot.
Around 2 a.m. on Saturday, 11-gun shots were fired, harming four innocent students who are now reportedly safe and in stable condition. The shooter has not been identified, but students attending the party have been told to report any information they may know.
The party began around 9 p.m. and was set to end at 2 a.m. Students were invited to come out, dance and enjoy the company of each other at a house that was located less than five minutes from campus.
“The party was good, actually great. I love when dance organizations can get together and have a friendly dance battle. The vibes were great and overall, I enjoyed myself,” Tisdale said.
Around 2:30 a.m., a vehicle drove by and fired a gun.
While no one is sure who the shooter was, the Tallahassee Police Department told FAMU officials that there was “a disagreement” that led to the shooting.
Tisdale said, “The first gunshot hit me in the back of my thigh, so I heard the shot then felt the impact. Before the shot, I was talking to one of my friends. So, when I heard the shot, I pushed her down so she wouldn’t get hit.
“I didn’t even realize I got shot because I was running. I tried to run up a hill on the side of the house when my leg buckled. I reached back and seen the blood. All I could think was ‘I really got shot.’”
Tisdale never thought he would see the day where he would be mistaken for a target and sent to the hospital.
While incidents like this are rare, students are advised to be aware of their surroundings at all times.
“My advice to students on house parties is to not attend them. House parties are very unsecure, but I thank God I am alive because it could’ve been worse,” Tisdale said.