A shooting near the Student Union at Florida State University on Thursday sent the campus into lockdown and prompted a massive law enforcement response, with at least one person dead, six people hospitalized—one in critical condition—and a suspect taken into custody.
The incident occurred around noon, when witnesses reported hearing between 15 to 20 gunshots in the vicinity of the Student Union. FSU immediately issued a campus-wide emergency alert, urging students, faculty, and visitors to shelter in place, lock doors, and stay away from windows. All university classes, events, and athletic activities were canceled for the day. Nearby Leon County schools were also locked down as a precaution.
Law enforcement from multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, converged on the campus, swiftly securing the scene and beginning a search for any additional threats. Authorities later confirmed that a single suspect had been apprehended, and there were no indications of other shooters involved.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, which operates the region’s only Level II trauma center, received six victims—one in critical condition and the remaining in serious condition. Hospital officials said they fully mobilized emergency services to handle the situation and are working closely with public safety officials.
“At this time, details are still unfolding, and we do not yet have specific information to share,” the hospital said in a statement. “However, we want to assure the community that our teams are fully mobilized and prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected.”
The chaos left students and faculty shaken. “It was terrifying. The alarms went off and we didn’t know if the shooter was outside the door,” said one student who sheltered in a campus building for hours.
In a statement, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed support for the FSU community and commended first responders for their rapid action. Senator Rick Scott also extended his prayers and backing to the victims and university staff.
President Donald Trump, who was meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the time, was also fully briefed on the situation.
“It’s a shame. It’s a horrible thing, horrible that things like this take place,” Trump said. “And we’ll have more to say about it later.”
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear as the investigation continues. Authorities are asking anyone with information or video footage from the area to come forward.
This tragedy echoes memories of a 2014 shooting on FSU’s campus and adds to the growing list of gun violence incidents at US educational institutions. University officials said they remain vigilant and will provide ongoing updates as the investigation unfolds.
Counseling services have been made available for students and staff.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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