FSU Shooting Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A shooting at Florida State University on Thursday left two people dead and at least five injured, with the suspect—believed to be a student—now in custody. The victims killed were not enrolled at the university. Students were evacuated amid chaos, and authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances.
Quick Looks
- Two people were killed and five others wounded in a campus shooting.
- The suspect, believed to be an FSU student, is in custody and hospitalized.
- The deceased victims were not students, authorities confirmed.
- The shooting occurred near the student union around midday Thursday.
- Students sheltered in place inside elevators, classrooms, and hallways.
- Victims are being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, one critically injured.
- Campus was placed on lockdown and declared secure about three hours later.
- Law enforcement agencies responded rapidly with ambulances and forensics units.
- President Trump said he was fully briefed on the incident.
- FSU canceled all classes and events through Sunday.
Deep Look
A shooting on the campus of Florida State University on Thursday turned deadly, with two people killed and at least five others injured in a sudden burst of gunfire near the student union. University Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed late Thursday that the suspect is believed to be a student, though the two fatalities were not enrolled at FSU.
Authorities rushed to the scene following an active shooter alert around midday. Emergency vehicles from multiple agencies converged on the campus, located just west of downtown Tallahassee, while university alerts urged students to shelter in place. Within three hours, officials announced that the “threat had been neutralized,” though many areas remained closed off as active crime scenes.
Chaos and Confusion
The attack prompted fear and confusion on a campus bustling with activity, especially around the student union — a central hub for gatherings, dining, and events.
Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, was in the lower level bowling alley when the shooting began. He described hiding there with roughly 30 others. “In that moment, it was survival,” he said. After 15 tense minutes, police arrived to escort the group to safety. Outside, Cedergren witnessed one person receiving emergency treatment on the lawn.
Chris Pento, who was touring the university with his twins, was also inside the union when shots rang out. “It was surreal. People just started running,” he told WCTV. After finding locked doors in a hallway, they packed into a freight elevator before encountering two armed officers who guided them to safety.
Victims and Emergency Response
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare confirmed that at least six people were treated, with one patient in critical condition and the others in serious condition. The shooter was among those receiving medical care, authorities said.
Details surrounding the shooter’s identity and the motive remain under investigation. Authorities have not said whether the victims were targeted or caught in crossfire.
As students and faculty were evacuated, many left behind personal belongings, gathering outside in the shade to await updates and pray for those injured. Police vehicles, ambulances, and a forensics van surrounded the student union, now sealed off with crime scene tape.
FSU student Kai McGalla, who was locked down at a testing center during the shooting, said the initial alert seemed unbelievable. “The first thing you think is, ‘This can’t be true,’” he said. Another student, junior Joshua Sirmans, was in the main library when alarms began blaring. Police directed students to exit with their hands raised.
Leadership Reactions and National Attention
President Donald Trump addressed the shooting from the Oval Office, saying he had been fully briefed. “It’s a horrible thing. It’s horrible that things like this take place,” he said.
Florida State University canceled all classes and on-campus events for Thursday and announced that all home athletic events through Sunday were also called off.
Campus History and Student Safety
The university, one of Florida’s 12 public institutions, has a student population of around 44,000. Thursday’s shooting marks the second high-profile incident of gun violence on campus in the past decade. In 2014, a gunman opened fire at the Strozier Library, injuring three people before being fatally shot by police.
Since then, campus safety measures have increased, but Thursday’s shooting reignited fears about student security and the vulnerability of public spaces. While law enforcement continues to investigate how the shooting unfolded, students, parents, and staff are left grappling with the emotional aftermath of another act of campus violence.
FSU Shooting Leaves FSU Shooting Leaves
You must Register or Login to post a comment.