TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — An active shooter was reported Thursday on the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee, leading to a chaotic scene as students and faculty were instructed to seek shelter. The university's alert system confirmed the incident around noon, prompting immediate responses from local law enforcement and emergency services.
According to a spokesperson from Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, the nearby hospital is currently treating individuals affected by the shooting, although the exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed. Sarah Cannon, the spokesperson, noted that details are still unfolding as the situation develops.
Witnesses described a frantic atmosphere as police and emergency personnel raced toward the campus. Alarms blared throughout the university, and students were seen streaming away from the Student Union area where the shooting reportedly took place. Junior Joshua Sirmans, 20, was in the main library when the alarms sounded. He recounted how law enforcement officers escorted him and other students out of the library with their hands over their heads, a scene that underscored the gravity of the situation.
In an alert sent to students and faculty, the university advised them to “lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.” This directive was echoed by various media reports, which highlighted the ongoing nature of the threat.
As the situation unfolded, the FBI confirmed its involvement, assisting local authorities in managing the crisis. Reports indicated that a suspect is now in custody, although details surrounding the individual and the circumstances of the shooting remain unclear. CNN reported that law enforcement had apprehended the suspect, providing a measure of relief to concerned parents and students alike.
Parents of students on campus expressed their worries as they received alerts about the shooting. One father shared that his daughter was taking shelter in a library, indicating the tense atmosphere as students sought safety. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare,” he said, reflecting the anxiety felt by many.
Emergency responders, including ambulances, fire trucks, and patrol vehicles from multiple agencies, converged on the campus in response to the active shooter alert. The scene was described as chaotic, with students visibly emotional and glued to their phones for updates.
As law enforcement worked to secure the area, the university continued to provide updates through its alert system, urging everyone to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. In the wake of the incident, many students expressed their fear and uncertainty about returning to normalcy.
Florida Senator Rick Scott, a former governor of the state, took to social media to express his concerns. He stated, “I’m praying for the safety of everyone at FSU and the swift recovery of those injured.” He also mentioned that his team has been in contact with local law enforcement to monitor the situation closely.
The active shooter incident at Florida State University is part of a larger, troubling trend in the United States, where gun violence on college campuses has become an all-too-common occurrence. This incident, while still under investigation, raises questions about campus safety and the measures in place to protect students.
As the day progressed, students remained in lockdown, waiting for further instructions from university officials. The atmosphere was tense, with many still in shock from the events that had unfolded. Reports from the scene indicated that students were being slowly evacuated as the situation was brought under control.
In the aftermath of the shooting, discussions about mental health support for students and the need for enhanced security measures on campuses are likely to intensify. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of those affected and understanding the circumstances that led to this alarming event.
This is a developing story, and updates will continue to be provided as more information becomes available.
