The shooting was a targeted attack, according to university police. If not, others are in deadly condition. That’s how the scene played out on Thursday just before noon when gunfire rang out at the FSU campus’ student union building. Law enforcement agencies mobilized like we’ve never seen before. They warned students and faculty to shelter in place, all while locking down the area.
The Tallahassee Police Department announced this morning that they had arrested one person. Ambulances, fire trucks and patrol cars from several law enforcement agencies responded rapidly to the scene. They crossed lines of agency and jurisdiction to coordinate completely out of the spotlight as they dealt with the crisis.
Amid the chaos, a student reunification point was established at the Donald L Tucker Civic Center, ensuring that students could safely reconnect with their families and friends. According to a story by the Miami Herald, at least six people are currently being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. NBC has reported one death, with five more in critical condition.
As the events unfolded, FSU sent an active shooter notification to campus that Thursday evening, triggering an automatic lockdown across campus. The Leon County School District went viral last week with this post on social media platform X. They announced that every school in the district would be going back to business as usual. After the lockout that impacted many local schools was eventually lifted.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi took a different tack, focusing on the public safety aspect of the burgeoning crisis. Please close and secure all doors and windows and be ready to implement more protective actions. Her remarks illustrate that even the potential for danger in such chaotic spaces is enough to raise fear and alarm.
Governor Ron DeSantis said that he stands with the university community as it begins to heal from this tragedy. Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is responding. “These feelings expressed by our state leaders give voice to the pain, anguish, and immediate action demanded by this tragedy.
U.S. President Donald Trump called the shooting “a terrible event.” He said he is profoundly disturbed by the incidence of such violence in our day. His comments ring true with current nationwide conversations about gun violence and protective measures in schools and other places of learning.
As investigations continue, local authorities stay in contact with federal officials there. The U.S. Justice Department is now calling in FBI agents who were at the scene. They’re banding together to offer help and get the critically needed information in the wake of this incident.
The time is still dynamic as law enforcement continues to make the campus and the rest of the community safe. Local residents are impressed upon to be careful and alert even as the investigations proceed.