Leland, Mississippi – October 12, 2025 — A joyous homecoming celebration in the quiet town of Leland turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak late Friday night when gunfire erupted downtown, leaving at least four people dead and a dozen others wounded. The motive remains unknown, and authorities have yet to identify any suspects.
Mississippi Shooting Shatters Homecoming Weekend Peace
The shooting occurred around midnight near Main Street, just after Leland High School’s homecoming football game wrapped up. The city, located about 115 miles northwest of Jackson, had welcomed alumni, families, and visitors for its annual festivities—a tradition that embodies community spirit and small-town pride.
“This doesn’t normally happen in our city—it’s never happened before in our city,” said Mayor John Lee in an emotional statement Saturday morning. “We’re just in prayer right now for our whole city because this is not something we represent here in the city of Leland.”
Chaos After the Final Whistle
According to eyewitnesses and social media footage, crowds had gathered downtown following the game when the shots rang out. Videos show panicked attendees running for cover as emergency responders rushed to the scene. The area, usually bustling with music and laughter during homecoming, was quickly cordoned off by law enforcement.
Mayor Lee confirmed all victims appear to be adults and are being treated at nearby hospitals. Four have been pronounced dead. No suspects are in custody, but the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) has joined local police in a full-scale probe.
Timeline of the Leland Homecoming Shooting
| Time/Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday evening, Oct. 11 | Leland High School homecoming football game concludes. |
| ~12:00 a.m., Oct. 12 | Gunfire erupts near Main Street; mass shooting reported. |
| Saturday morning | Mayor John Lee confirms 4 dead, 12 injured; no suspects identified. |
| Saturday afternoon | MBI and local law enforcement launch joint investigation. |
A Community in Mourning
Leland, a town of just over 3,800 residents, is known for its tight-knit community and strong school pride. The violence has left residents in shock. “We’re grieving,” said one local business owner who asked not to be named. “Everyone knows someone who was there.”
Candles and flowers began appearing at the shooting site by dawn Saturday, as neighbors gathered quietly to honor the victims and support one another.
State and Federal Response
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation released a brief statement Saturday confirming its involvement: “MBI is assisting local authorities with the ongoing investigation into last night’s incident in Leland.”
Federal agencies have not yet joined the probe, but officials say all options are on the table as they work to determine whether the shooting was targeted or random.
Sources
- The New York Times: At Least 4 Dead and a Dozen Wounded in Mississippi Shooting
- Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI)
- Official statements from Mayor John Lee, City of Leland, October 12, 2025
