Crime
Victim killed in shooting at Pascagoula Ingalls Shipbuilding identified as Tahj Johnson
PASCAGOULA, Miss. – Authorities have identified the victim in Friday morning’s fatal workplace shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding as Tahj Johnson, an employee of the Pascagoula shipyard.
According to Pascagoula Police Chief Terry Scott, the shooting occurred around 7:30 a.m. on August 22, 2025, aboard a vessel that was under construction at the facility. Johnson was fatally shot during the incident, which prompted an immediate lockdown of the shipyard.
The suspected gunman, identified as 25-year-old Curtis James Jr. of Mobile, Alabama, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
Police confirmed that both Johnson and James were Ingalls employees.
Chief Scott stated that investigators believe the incident may have stemmed from an earlier altercation between the two men earlier in the week.
The firearm used in the shooting has not yet been recovered.
No additional injuries were reported.
An Ingalls Shipbuilding spokesperson confirmed that an “active shooter” situation was declared and all personnel were instructed to shelter in place until the scene was secured.
Employees were later released from duty for the remainder of the day, with pay. Grief counseling services are being made available to staff.
Law enforcement agencies from across Jackson County responded to assist Pascagoula Police in securing the shipyard.
Officials asked the public to avoid the area while first responders worked to contain the situation.
While rumors have circulated regarding possible related incidents outside the shipyard, police have not confirmed any connection beyond the workplace shooting.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries), is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and a primary supplier of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels.
Pascagoula, the seat of Jackson County, has a population of approximately 22,000 residents.
SPENCER, OKLAHOMA — Authorities have confirmed that a 17-year-old student was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon following a violent altercation near Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after an altercation broke out among a group of juveniles near the intersection of Northeast 34th Street and Spencer Road.
During the confrontation, one of the individuals reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire, striking a male teenager.
Emergency personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was later identified by Oklahoma City Public Schools officials as 17-year-old Sebastian Guyton, a student at Star Spencer High School.
Following the shooting, law enforcement initiated a search of the area. One suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, though authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the individual’s identity or potential charges.
As a precaution, several nearby schools were placed on temporary lockdown while officers secured the area.
Classes at Star Spencer High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week in light of the tragedy.
In a statement released Wednesday, Star Spencer High School officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their student:
“Please help keep our Bobcat family and friends in your thoughts during this very difficult time,” the statement read.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.