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Florida State University Shooting Leaves 6 Injured, Suspect in Custody

Florida State University Shooting Leaves 6 Injured, Suspect in Custody/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A shooting at Florida State University on Thursday sent students fleeing and led to multiple hospitalizations. Police confirmed one suspect is in custody after the incident near the student union prompted a campus-wide lockdown. The FBI and U.S. Marshals responded to assist with evacuations and secure the area. At least six people were hospitalized, authorities said, 1 in critical condition and 5 in serious condition.

Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the school’s campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne)

FSU Campus Shooting – Quick Look

  • Shooting occurred midday Thursday near FSU’s Student Union in Tallahassee, Florida.
  • At least four individuals were hospitalized, according to WCTV and hospital officials.
  • Law enforcement took one suspect into custody; no fatalities confirmed yet.
  • Students were evacuated from buildings including the university’s main library.
  • FBI and U.S. Marshals aided local police in evacuations and crowd control.
  • FSU issued multiple emergency alerts instructing students to shelter in place.
  • Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing people fleeing in panic.
  • The university community is being asked to remain alert and avoid the area.
Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the school’s campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne)

Shooting at Florida State University Sparks Chaos, Evacuations and Multiple Injuries

DEEP LOOKS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)A shooting on Florida State University’s campus Thursday afternoon triggered panic and chaos as students fled buildings, police responded in force, and at least six people were hospitalized, authorities said, 1 in critical condition and 5 in serious condition.

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals, quickly responded to reports of an active shooter near the Student Union, a central area on FSU’s Tallahassee campus. As of 1:05 p.m., one suspect is in custody, according to a Tallahassee police spokesperson. While officials have confirmed multiple injuries, the number and severity of those wounded remain unclear.


Emergency Alerts and Campus Lockdown

The university issued a series of urgent alerts instructing students, faculty, and staff to shelter in place, lock doors, and stay away from windows. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), FSU wrote:

“An active shooter has been reported in the area of the Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions.”

A follow-up message emphasized that police were actively responding and that the campus should remain on lockdown until further notice.


Eyewitnesses Describe Panic, Evacuations

Emily Palmer, 21, an FSU student, told CNN she was near the Student Union when she received a phone alert about the “dangerous situation.”

“I’m shaking… It’s just a lot going on,” she said. “I’m concerned about my friends. Some are still in class and being evacuated by police with their hands up.”

Joshua Sirmans, 20, a junior, said he was inside FSU’s main library when alarms began sounding. Law enforcement officers then evacuated students with their hands raised, directing them away from the building to safety.


Law Enforcement Mobilized Quickly

By early afternoon, dozens of emergency vehicles surrounded campus buildings. First responders, including armed U.S. Marshals, were seen directing students away from West Call and Dewey Streets, near the Student Union.

“So many people in that building right now, so many to get out,” one marshal was overheard saying.

Richard Rind, FSU’s Director of Transportation and Parking, said he was sheltering inside a nearby building as events unfolded.

“We’re locked down. There are many emergency vehicles on scene, but we can’t see much,” he said. “I heard shots and saw people running.”


Hospital: Multiple Patients Being Treated

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare confirmed it was treating individuals injured in the shooting, though the exact number and nature of the injuries remain unverified.

“We are receiving patients related to the incident at FSU,” said Sarah Cannon, a hospital spokesperson. “At this time, I can’t confirm the number being treated.”

Local outlet WCTV reported that four individuals had been transported to the hospital, but officials have not publicly confirmed that number.


Federal and Local Response Continues

In addition to the FBI and U.S. Marshals, local police from Tallahassee Police Department and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office responded to the active shooter call.

The Associated Press reported that additional law enforcement teams were dispatched across the campus to secure facilities and manage evacuations.

The scene remained active as of early Thursday afternoon, with multiple emergency messages still instructing the university community to shelter in place and remain indoors.


Developing Situation

Florida State University and law enforcement are continuing to monitor the situation. Classes remain suspended, and the campus remains on high alert as officials work to confirm whether additional threats exist.

Students and parents are advised to follow FSU Alert communications and local news for updates.


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