A potential active shooter situation unfolded at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, resulting in injuries to at least six individuals. Law enforcement responded swiftly to what they described as an “active scene” and initiated efforts to regain control of the area.
Authorities have confirmed that a suspect has been apprehended, though officials haven’t explicitly stated whether this individual was directly involved in the shooting. The FBI’s Jacksonville and Tallahassee field offices, alongside agents from the Bureau’s Tallahassee office (due to its proximity to campus), are assisting local law enforcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from Tampa is also providing support.
Representative Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), whose district includes FSU, released a statement on social media expressing his concern:
“My team and I are monitoring reports of an active shooter on FSU’s campus. It’s too early to understand the extent of the violence, but early reports are very disturbing…Follow all local guidance. Shelter in place. Stay safe.”
As a precautionary measure, Florida State University has canceled all classes through Friday and all athletic events have been suspended through the weekend.
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of chaos and fear. Sophomore Ben Veytsman described his experience: “I was walking home and then this one guy was like chasing another guy… I thought they had an altercation between themselves. And then the guy in front was like, ‘Yo, there’s some school shooting. Everyone get inside.’ It didn’t feel real to me. It felt like I was enacting a school shooter drill.”
Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) confirmed her office is coordinating with FSU leadership and expressed prayers for the safety of students, faculty, and first responders.
Numerous figures responded to the incident, including President Donald Trump, who briefly commented that the situation was “horrible.” Attorney General Pam Bondi stated:
“The [FBI] is on the scene at Florida State and we are in communication with agents on the ground. Our priority is the safety of everyone involved. We will keep updating as we learn more. Praying for all.”
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) confirmed they have received patients “related to an incident” at FSU, but declined to provide specific details due to patient privacy.
Another student, Cole Summers, reported hearing rumors of a gun and then shots while at the Panera Bread in the student union. “I heard a group of girls saying something about a gun, right after I heard the shots and immediately started running.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis offered his prayers for the FSU community on social media.
Florida State University’s sprawling campus, encompassing 485.7 acres and housing over 44,300 students and more than 16,000 employees across 403 buildings, remains partially an active crime scene as investigations continue.
This is a developing story; further updates will be provided as they become available.
