A peaceful summer evening turned tragic when a shooting broke out during a fraternity picnic hosted by members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at Atlanta’s Coan Park on Saturday, June 28. One man, described as a beloved mentor within the fraternity, was killed. Another man and the suspected gunman were critically injured.
The picnic was an officially permitted event organized by a local chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, one of the Divine Nine organizations with deep roots across HBCU campuses. The fraternity, known for its strong commitment to community, mentorship, and service, was gathered for a day of fellowship when gunfire shattered the evening.
According to WSB-TV, Atlanta police responded to reports of a shooting just after 8 p.m. at the park, located in the Kirkwood neighborhood of southeast Atlanta. Upon arrival, officers found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One man was pronounced dead at the scene. The second, along with the suspected shooter, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Witnesses told authorities that the gunman—who was not part of the picnic—approached the group wearing a ski mask and began to instigate a confrontation. As members of the fraternity attempted to de-escalate the situation, the man opened fire. In response, several Kappa Alpha Psi members who were legally armed returned fire, ultimately striking the suspect.
The man who lost his life was not involved in the argument. Those present say he was attempting to calm the situation and protect others when he was shot. He has been described as a mentor and father figure to many of the younger fraternity members—someone who embodied the values of brotherhood and service.
As of now, police have not released the names of the victims or the suspect. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, gathering witness statements, and working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation.
The tragedy has left many in the Atlanta community and the greater HBCU and Divine Nine circles in mourning. Fraternity gatherings, especially in the summer, are staples of Black culture and community-building. For many, parks like Coan serve as sacred ground for joy, celebration, and connection—not places where lives should be lost.
Gun violence at community events, particularly those connected to HBCU alumni and organizations, raises broader concerns about safety, mental health, and the importance of conflict resolution in public spaces.
Kappa Alpha Psi, founded at Indiana University in 1911 and present on nearly every HBCU campus—including Morehouse College, Howard University, FAMU, and others—has not issued a formal statement at the time of this writing. However, fraternity brothers and supporters across social media have already begun honoring the life and legacy of the fallen mentor.
This is a developing story. HBCU Buzz will provide updates as more information becomes available.
