Tallahassee, FL — Tragedy struck Florida State University (FSU) as a mass shooting unfolded on campus, leaving five people wounded and the community in shock. The suspect, now in custody, was also shot during the incident and is currently hospitalized under police supervision, This is a dark day for our university. We are relieved that a suspect is in custody and that no lives have been lost at this time, but the trauma inflicted on our community
The chaos began earlier today when shots were reported near the university’s bustling student union. Students and staff described a scene of terror and confusion as gunfire rang out, sending people running for cover and prompting an immediate law enforcement response.
According to officials, responding officers quickly located and apprehended the suspect. A handgun was found on the individual at the time of arrest. A subsequent search uncovered a shotgun abandoned inside the student union and another firearm discovered in the suspect’s nearby vehicle. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name or any motive behind the attack.
FSU Police Chief Terrence Callahan addressed the media in a brief but emotional statement:
“This is a dark day for our university. We are relieved that a suspect is in custody and that no lives have been lost at this time, but the trauma inflicted on our community is real and profound.”
Emergency medical personnel treated the wounded at the scene before transporting them to local hospitals. Of the five victims, two are reported to be in critical condition, while the remaining three have injuries described as non-life-threatening.
It remains unclear who shot the suspect — whether it was during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement or another circumstance — and that detail is currently under investigation.
Authorities have locked down several parts of the campus, asking students and faculty to avoid active crime scene areas. “Please continue to shelter in place if you are nearby, and stay clear of the cordoned-off zones,” FSU officials said in an emergency alert. Law enforcement presence remains heavy as investigators work to process multiple scenes connected to the shooting.
In a statement released shortly after the suspect’s arrest, Florida State University announced the cancellation of all classes, events, and campus activities through tomorrow. Counseling services have been mobilized to support affected students and staff, and additional security measures are being put in place for the foreseeable future.
“This is heartbreaking for our FSU family,” University President Richard McCullough said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and all those impacted. We are grateful to the law enforcement officers who responded swiftly and professionally to prevent an even greater tragedy.”
The incident has drawn national attention, renewing conversations around campus safety and gun violence at educational institutions. Local, state, and federal agencies are all participating in the ongoing investigation.
Students and parents flooded social media with messages of fear, relief, and sorrow as news of the shooting spread. Many praised the university’s emergency communication system for its quick alerts, which some believe prevented further casualties.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, video footage, or eyewitness accounts to come forward to aid the investigation. Police have not yet confirmed whether the suspect acted alone or if the shooting was premeditated.
As the FSU community begins to pick up the pieces after today’s horrifying events, the focus remains on supporting the wounded, comforting the traumatized, and ensuring justice is served.
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