A terrifying active shooter situation unfolded Thursday afternoon at Florida State University (FSU), sending students and staff into lockdown and prompting a heavy response from local, state, and federal law enforcement.
The university issued a shelter-in-place alert just before 1 p.m., warning students, faculty, and staff to immediately seek safety, lock doors, and stay away from windows. The message, delivered through FSU’s emergency alert system, read: “FSU ALERT! An armed person has been reported. Seek shelter immediately. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.”
Law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene, converging near the intersection of Traditions Way and Academic Way on the university’s main campus. Within minutes, the area was swarming with Tallahassee Police Department officers, Leon County Sheriff’s deputies, campus security, and agents from the FBI and other federal agencies.
According to a statement from Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, at least four people were injured during the incident and are currently being treated for gunshot wounds. Their conditions have not yet been disclosed.
As panic spread across campus, students barricaded themselves in classrooms, dorms, and offices, following real-time instructions from university officials and law enforcement. Videos circulating on social media show students huddled under desks and sheltering in place, with sirens wailing outside and helicopters hovering overhead.
By mid-afternoon, officials confirmed that a suspect had been taken into custody. However, authorities have not yet released the individual’s identity or confirmed whether the person apprehended was the shooter. Investigators are still working to piece together the sequence of events and determine a motive.
FBI agents joined local law enforcement in the active investigation. The Bureau has not confirmed whether it believes the attack was premeditated or if there are any ties to larger threats. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area and to report any suspicious activity as they continue to sweep the campus.
In response to the unfolding situation, FSU canceled all classes for the remainder of the day and advised students to remain sheltered until an official all-clear was issued.
“This is a deeply disturbing incident, and our thoughts are with those who have been injured,” said an FSU spokesperson. “We are working closely with law enforcement and will continue to update our campus community as we receive more information.”
The Florida State University community — still shaken from the incident — is now grappling with the aftermath as questions swirl around the shooter’s identity, motive, and how the events unfolded so quickly in the heart of one of Florida’s most prominent universities.
More updates are expected as the investigation progresses.