Florida State University in Tallahassee was plunged into chaos on Thursday after a gunman opened fire near its student union, killing two and injuring at least five others. The university went into lockdown, with classes and events cancelled as police responded to the scene.
Two people were killed and five others sustained injuries after a gunman opened fire near the student union at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on Thursday. The incident triggered a campus-wide lockdown and led to chaotic scenes as students fled the area.
Police confirmed that the victims were not enrolled students at the university. A suspect was apprehended shortly after the shooting. According to a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health, several of the injured are in serious condition and are being treated in local hospitals.
Emergency services, including ambulances, fire engines, and patrol units from various law enforcement agencies, converged on the campus after FSU issued an active shooter alert around midday. The alert directed police to the vicinity of the student union, where the shooting occurred.
“We are aware of the incident at Florida State University and our thoughts are with everyone affected,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on social media platform X. “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
US President Donald Trump remarked, “It’s a horrible thing. It’s horrible that things like this take place.”
Eyewitness accounts
Students described the ensuing panic and confusion as alerts blared across the campus. Junior Joshua Sirmans, aged 20, said he was in the main library when the alarms were triggered.
“Law enforcement officers escorted me and others out of the library with our hands over our heads,” Sirmans recounted.
Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, told Associated Press that he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley located in the lower level of the student union. “In that moment, it was survival,” he said.
Large numbers of students were seen fleeing the area, many visibly shaken. Some clung to one another while others stayed glued to their phones as emergency updates were issued.
Campus in lockdown
Following the shooting, the university, which has an enrolment of over 44,000 students, immediately issued a lockdown across its Tallahassee campus. Emergency notifications urged students, faculty, and staff to remain indoors and shelter in place.
“Police are on scene or on the way. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows,” the university stated in its initial message. Subsequent alerts reiterated the instruction to remain indoors.
All academic and extracurricular activities scheduled for Thursday were cancelled. University officials also advised those not already on campus to avoid the area. Students and staff requiring emergency help were asked to contact 911 or the Florida State University Police Department.
Florida State University, one of the 12 public universities in the state, is located near the state Capitol and is considered one of Florida’s leading educational institutions.
Follow us
