At Least Six Injured in Shooting Incident at Florida State University

 

At least six people were injured in a mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, hospital officials confirmed. According to a spokesperson from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, all six patients sustained gunshot wounds. One of the victims is in critical condition, while five others are listed in serious condition. The full extent of their injuries remains unclear, based on preliminary reports from law enforcement sources.

FSU’s emergency notification system, FSU Alert, issued an alert around noon on Thursday, warning of an “active shooter” near the Student Union. The message, shared on social media platform X, advised people to seek shelter and await further instructions. "Police are on scene or on the way," the alert stated. "Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures."

Reached out to local law enforcement, including the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the university. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed it is actively involved in responding to the situation.

FSU student Emily Palmer, 21, who was near the Student Union when the incident occurred, described the chaotic scene. “I’m shaking… it’s just a lot going on,” Palmer said from the safety of her student housing. “I’m concerned about my friends.” She added that several of her classmates were being escorted out of buildings by police, with their hands raised.

Joshua Sirmans, a 20-year-old junior, was in the university's main library when alarms signaled an active shooter. He told the Associated Press that law enforcement officers escorted him and other students out of the library with their hands up. Other students on campus were also instructed to shelter in place, with updates from FSU Alert urging individuals to stay indoors as law enforcement continued clearing buildings on the main campus.

Richard Rind, FSU's director of transportation and parking, described the scene as emergency vehicles flooded the area. “Many emergency vehicles on scene but can’t see much as we are locked down in a building across the street,” Rind said, adding that he had heard gunshots and seen people running during the incident.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his support for the FSU community, writing on X: “Our prayers are with our FSU family, and state law enforcement is actively responding.” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also confirmed his office’s involvement in the response to the situation.

Two law enforcement sources reported that a suspect is now in custody, although further details are still pending.