A mass shooting at Florida State University has left five dead and several others injured, plunging the campus into chaos as law enforcement races to secure the scene.
At a Glance
- Active shooter reported near FSU’s student union
- Five people confirmed dead, with six more injured
- One suspect in custody, another killed on scene
- Classes and campus events canceled across FSU
Immediate Response and Ongoing Investigation
Florida State University was rocked by tragedy Thursday afternoon as an active shooter opened fire near the student union. According to The Times, the incident began shortly after noon and led to an immediate shelter-in-place order. As panic spread across campus, law enforcement—including the Tallahassee Police Department and the FBI—rushed to contain the situation.
Authorities have confirmed one shooter is dead and another suspect has been taken into custody. AP News reports that at least six victims are receiving care at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, with conditions ranging from critical to stable.
Watch live coverage of the unfolding events at FSU shooting: Active shooter near student union.
State Leaders Respond as Details Emerge
The university quickly canceled all remaining classes, athletic events, and campus functions for the day. Students were urged to stay indoors, lock doors, and await further instructions. FSU has also activated its emergency communication systems and provided contact lines for families seeking information.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis offered condolences and confirmed that state police are supporting the investigation. “Our prayers are with our FSU family,” he said, as quoted by AP News. The shooting also prompted concern from lawmakers, with Florida House Speaker Danny Perez calling the attack “heartbreaking.”
The Tallahassee Democrat confirmed that a man was taken into custody shortly after the shooting began. The identity and motive of the shooter remain under investigation.
Another Tragedy in a Long Line of Campus Attacks
Thursday’s events echo a 2014 shooting on the same campus that left three injured and reignited debate over guns in academic settings. Despite enhanced protocols since then, the deadly violence proves once again how vulnerable educational institutions remain.
This latest attack brings the number of mass shootings in Florida this year to six, highlighting what advocates call an “epidemic” of campus and public space gun violence. TIME reports the university is reviewing its response protocols, but critics argue it’s too little, too late.
FSU officials have pledged full cooperation with investigators and said mental health resources would be made available for students and staff. The school community, meanwhile, remains in mourning, waiting for answers and holding vigil for the victims.
