‘At least 6 victims’ in Florida State University mass shooting and ‘suspect in custody’ after gunman opens fire at FSU
AT least six victims have been rushed to the hospital and a suspect is in custody after a mass shooting at Florida State University, according to reports.
Students are hiding inside the college as cops go door to door clearing classrooms after an active shooter was reported on campus at noon.
Police have yet to confirm information about the number of victims or suspect but six people were taken to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, The Associated Press reported.
One victim was in critical condition while the other five people were in serious condition, a hospital spokesperson said.
FSU notified students about an emergency on campus at 12:01 pm.
“An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union,” the university wrote in an alert sent to students and staff.
They were warned to take shelter, lock all doors, and stay away from doors and windows.
The campus initially told students to stay indoors until police approached them with a safety word, which they posted on their website and later deleted.
At 2:44 pm, FSU continued to instruct students to remain in place as law enforcement went door to door, clearing rooms.
“Continue to shelter in place until law enforcement contacts you.”
POLICE TRAINING
On Thursday morning, police had warned residents that the Tactical Apprehension and Control Team would be conducting a training exercise about three miles from the FSU campus.
The City of Tallahassee Police Department posted on Facebook letting residents know they may hear “loud bangs, crashes, sirens, and see officers with firearms displayed” during the training.
The training was planned to take place between 12 and 8 pm.
“At the Tallahassee Police Department, training is a top priority. It helps us ensure the safety of our community and enables us to apprehend violent offenders or those who seek to cause harm to others,” they wrote in the post.
“Your understanding and cooperation are important to us as we work to enhance our readiness to serve and protect. We appreciate your continued support.”
MASSIVE POLICE PRESENCE
Sirens could be heard all around Tallahassee after the gunman stormed campus and nearby Leon County schools were placed on lockdown.
Terrifying videos on social media showed police with long guns searching school grounds.
Another video showed students being escorted away from buildings with their hands in the air.
State, local, and federal police have descended on campus and the president has been briefed about the situation.
FSU shooting timeline
- 12:01 pm: An active shooter was first reported by the FSU student union, police are on their way
- 12:19 pm: FSU confirmed police were on the scene and instructed students to shelter in place
- 12:45 pm: A video is shared of students and faculty walking through campus with their hands up
- 12:58 pm: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare confirmed they are treating those injured in the shooting
- 1:01 pm: FBI confirmed agents are on campus investigating the shooting
- 1:04 pm: FSU notified students that law enforcement is clearing rooms on the main campus
- 1:45 pm: Leon County school district instructs high schoolers to stay away from FSU’s campus
- 1:48 pm: Donald Trump says he has been ‘fully briefed’ on the situation
- 1:50 pm: The Associated Press initially reports that six victims are in the hospital and a suspect has been apprehended
- 2:44 pm: FSU classes and campus activities are canceled through April 18. Students are allowed to return to residence halls, but are otherwise told to stay in place
“It’s a horrible thing. It’s horrible that things like this take place,” President Donald Trump said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis posted on X, “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Hospital confirmed they are “actively receiving and caring for patients related to an incident that has occurred at Florida State University.”
“We want to assure the community that our teams are fully mobilized and prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected,” a spokesperson wrote.
The FBI also sent agents to investigate the mass shooting.
“FBI Jacksonville and the Tallahassee Resident Agency are on the scene at Florida State University and assisting our local law enforcement partners,” the agency posted on X.
And the local school district wrote, “Our high schools will still dismiss at 1:50. Bus drivers have been instructed to reroute away from Tennessee Street.
“We have made announcements on the high school campuses to stay away from the FSU campus as well.”
TERRIFYING SITUATION
FSU junior Angel Dejesus told the Tallahassee Democrat that his class in the College of Business building hid in a smaller room inside the classroom.
Dejesus said everything got “much more serious” when a peer of his who lived through the Parkland shooting entered the building.
“He was like, ‘Man, I never thought this would happen again,’” Dejesus said.
FSU student Emily Palmer, 21, was by the Student Union when the Shooting happened and she told CNN she was terrified for her friends.
“I’m shaking … It’s just a lot going on,” she told the outlet from her student housing.
“I’m concerned about my friends. I have friends in class right who are getting evacuated by police with their hands up.”
Another student wrote on X, “We were tabling with our @TPUSA chapter on Landis Green when we heard shots near the Student Union.
“We’re safe and off campus. The shooter has supposedly been apprehended. Please pray for all of Tallahassee right now.”
The shooting at FSU is the 80th mass shooting in the US this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare's statement
TMH is actively receiving and caring for patients related to an incident that has occurred at Florida State University. At this time, details are still unfolding, and we do not yet have specific information to share. However, we want to assure the community that our teams are fully mobilized and prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected.
We remain in close coordination with emergency responders and public safety officials. Out of respect for patient privacy and to ensure accurate information, we will provide updates as soon as they are available.
We ask for your patience and compassion during this difficult time.
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