Mass Shooting At FSU Student Union
On April 17, 2025, at 12:01 p.m., Florida State University’s emergency alert system warned of an active shooter in the Student Union area and ordered a campus‑wide shelter‑in‑place. Police—including FSU Police, Tallahassee PD, and Leon County Sheriff’s deputies—with FBI support, converged on the scene by about 12:30 p.m. Four individuals were hospitalized at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and Leon County Schools placed all district campuses under lockout shortly after the alert. Investigators continue to secure the area and interview witnesses as classes remain suspended pending an all‑clear.
Active Shooter Alert
At 12:01 p.m., FSU sent a text message and broadcast alert stating an active shooter had been reported in the vicinity of the Student Union, advising everyone to “lock and stay away from all doors and windows” and be prepared to take additional protective measures.
By approximately 12:30 p.m., the university confirmed that law enforcement officers were either on scene or en route.
Victims & Hospital Response
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital confirmed that four people were hospitalized following the incident. Early reports described them as related to the active shooter event; no further details on their conditions have been released.
School Lockout
Leon County Schools spokesperson Chris Petley announced that, as a precaution, all K–12 campuses in the district entered lockout status around 12:15 p.m. under district safety protocols.
Law Enforcement & Support
Multiple agencies responded, including the FSU Police Department, Tallahassee Police Department, and Leon County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the FBI and other state troopers.
Police established a perimeter around the Student Union and began canvassing for evidence and witnesses. WJXT
University & Community Reaction
FSU officials reiterated the “run, hide, fight” guidance and urged everyone to await official updates via FSU ALERT and university channels.
Sirens and emergency lights were reported across downtown Tallahassee, and social media posts from students described sheltering in place inside academic buildings.
What’s Next…
Classes at FSU remain suspended until the campus is declared secure. University leadership said they will provide further information as investigations continue and safety assessments conclude.
Breaking: Gunman in Custody After Shooting at Florida State University Leaves Four Injured
A gunman is in custody following a terrifying active shooter situation at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, law enforcement sources confirmed. The attack unfolded near the university’s bustling Student Union, injuring at least four people and prompting a massive emergency response that locked down large sections of the campus.
The shooting sent students and staff into panic, with emergency alerts urging everyone on campus to shelter in place and avoid doors and windows.
Swift Law Enforcement Response Ends Immediate Threat
According to two law enforcement officials with direct knowledge of the incident, the suspect was apprehended shortly after the first reports of gunfire emerged. Authorities have yet to publicly identify the individual or provide a possible motive behind the attack.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare confirmed it is currently treating multiple patients related to the shooting. “We are actively receiving and caring for patients,” the hospital said in a statement to CNN. The extent and nature of the victims’ injuries remain unclear at this time.
Campus on Lockdown, Students Urged to Shelter in Place
FSU’s emergency alert system was activated almost immediately. “An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union,” the university posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions.”
Emergency messages urged students to lock doors, stay away from windows, and be prepared to take additional protective measures. The campus remained under lockdown as of Thursday afternoon while police cleared buildings and ensured the safety of students and faculty.
Students Describe Chaos and Fear
Emily Palmer, a 21-year-old student, told reporters she was near the Student Union when she received an alert about a “dangerous situation” unfolding on campus. Speaking from her student housing, Palmer described the confusion and fear that gripped the student body.
“I’m shaking … It’s just a lot going on,” she said. “I’m concerned about my friends. Some of them were in class and had to evacuate with their hands up.”
Another witness, Richard Rind, FSU’s director of transportation and parking, was locked down in a building across the street. “There were many emergency vehicles on scene. I heard shots and saw people running,” he reported, emphasizing the intensity of the moment.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
Police from the Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and campus law enforcement are now leading the investigation. As of this report, no fatalities have been confirmed, and the condition of the four injured individuals has not been publicly disclosed.
Florida State University has canceled all remaining classes for the day and announced counseling services for students and staff affected by the shooting.
FSU President Richard McCullough is expected to release an official statement later this evening.
Recent History and Campus Security Under Scrutiny
This incident marks one of the most serious campus security threats in FSU’s recent history. It comes amid a broader national conversation around school safety, mental health, and access to firearms.
Parents, students, and faculty members are once again raising questions about response preparedness and whether security infrastructure is sufficient to prevent such attacks.
As more details emerge, law enforcement officials are urging patience while they complete their investigation and assess the threat.
