The mass shooting at the Florida State University left two people dead, police said on Thursday. Officials identified the suspect as the son of a local law enforcement officer.
“Two victims are deceased and five individuals have been transported to a local hospital with gunshot wounds,” said Florida State University’s police chief Jason Trumbower, adding the suspect was also in the hospital.
The two deaths are not students at the university, but the shooter is believed to be a student.
Earlier, in a statement on its social media handle, the Tallahesse Police Department said the campus was now secure.
“The @FloridaState campus has been secured. Multiple law enforcement agencies remain on site for the ongoing investigation. The Student Union & surrounding area are still considered an active crime scene. Individuals should not return to the area for any reason,” the statement said.
“Busing is underway to help students reach the reunification point at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center,” it added.
‘It was about survival’
Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, said he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley in the lower level of the student union after seeing students running from a nearby bar.
“In that moment, it was survival,” he remarked.
Joshua Sirmans, 20, was in the university’s main library, when alarms began going off warning of an active shooter. Law enforcement officers escorted him and other students from the library with their hands over their heads.
President Trump, Florida governor DeSantis react
President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting. “It’s a horrible thing. It’s horrible that things like this takes place,” he stated.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X: “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
Florida State University is one of 12 public universities in the state, with its main campus in Tallahassee, Florida. About 44,000 students are enrolled in the university, per the school’s 2024 fact sheet.
The university cancelled all classes and events for Thursday, advising everyone to avoid coming to the main campus. It also called off all home athletic events through Sunday.
