Florida State University shooting leaves six injured, Campus on lockdown

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Chaos erupted on Thursday afternoon at Florida State University (FSU) when an active shooter opened fire near the Student Union, injuring at least six people, one of them critically. The terrifying incident prompted an immediate lockdown of the campus and surrounding schools, as police and emergency services swarmed the area.

The first reports of gunshots came just after noon, when multiple students on campus reported hearing loud bangs in the vicinity of the Student Union. FSU quickly issued an emergency alert urging students and staff to shelter in place, avoid doors and windows, and prepare for further protective action. Social media was flooded with real-time updates and images as students barricaded themselves inside classrooms, libraries, and offices.

Sam Swartz and Sean Gulledg, two students who were in the basement of the student union at the time, described hearing around ten gunshots while working on a group project. Along with six others, they took cover in a hallway and used trash cans and plywood to block the entrance, trying to slow down any potential threat. Gulledg, a resident assistant, credited his emergency training for keeping him calm, although he admitted he never expected to use it in a real-life situation.

Around the same time, Rafael Fernandez, a sophomore at FSU, was in the Rovetta Building when an emergency alert flashed on the screen in his lecture hall. His professor quickly locked the doors, and students hid in the windowless part of the room. When police arrived, they instructed everyone to come out with their hands raised and escorted them to safety.

Meanwhile, students in the nearby College of Business described a teacher running through the hallways, warning others of the shooter. FSU junior Angel Dejesus recounted hiding in a small room with his classmates, trying to study for a final exam. The situation became more emotionally intense when a fellow student who had previously survived the Parkland shooting entered the room and expressed disbelief that such a tragedy was happening again.

Law enforcement officers, including the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshals, and federal agents, responded quickly. Officers were seen sweeping the campus and surrounding buildings while helicopters hovered above. Students were evacuated slowly and cautiously, with officers checking and patting down individuals before allowing them to leave.

One suspect was taken into custody, but authorities have not yet confirmed a motive. The identity of the shooter has not been released, and it remains unclear whether additional suspects were involved. Law enforcement continues to search the area as a precaution.

At least six individuals were transported to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. According to the hospital, one patient is in critical condition, while five others are being treated for serious injuries. The facility, which houses the only Level II trauma center in the Big Bend region, assured the public that it had mobilized all necessary resources to care for the victims.

President Donald Trump was reportedly briefed on the shooting and expressed concern over the developing situation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also issued a statement offering prayers for the FSU community and confirmed that state law enforcement was actively involved in the response.

Local school districts responded by placing all Leon County public schools on lockdown. Several high schools dismissed students early as a safety precaution. Meanwhile, FSU canceled all classes and campus events through Friday. University officials emphasized that safety remains the top priority and instructed anyone still on campus to remain sheltered until law enforcement provides an all-clear signal, using the designated code word “SEMINOLE.”

Students and staff across campus shared harrowing stories. Will Schatz, an FSU senior, was in Strozier Library when he noticed people running. He joined the crowd and fled out the back of the building, where he said he saw what he believed was a police officer chasing someone. Moments later, he heard seven to eight gunshots and witnessed several injured students being loaded into ambulances.

In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare confirmed they were “actively receiving and caring for patients related to the incident.” The hospital stated they were working closely with emergency responders and asked for patience as the situation unfolded.

As of the latest updates, the suspect remains in custody, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects or accomplices. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed it was actively engaged in the investigation, with assistance from the FBI and other federal agencies.

The entire FSU community remains in shock as they process the events of the day. Students, faculty, and families are grappling with the trauma, while first responders continue to secure the area and provide care to those affected. The university has assured the public that it will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Classes remain canceled through Friday, and campus officials have asked for the community’s cooperation as they work with law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of all.

This is a developing story.