FSU Shooting: Terror Grips Tallahassee

Breaking News: Active Shooter at FSU

Tallahassee, Florida, April 17, 2025, 11:45 AM EDT—Florida State University (FSU) descended into panic as reports of gunfire surfaced near the Student Union. At 11:50 AM, FSU’s alert system issued a chilling warning: “Active shooter reported at Student Union. Shelter in place. Police on scene.” By 12:15 PM, the university canceled all classes, urging students and staff to avoid campus. Tallahassee Police, backed by state troopers, swarmed the area, locking down the 382-acre campus in Florida’s capital.

Suspect in Custody: Identity Unconfirmed

By 1:30 PM, Tallahassee Police confirmed a suspect was in custody but withheld the individual’s identity pending further investigation. During a 2:00 PM press conference, Chief Lawrence E. Revell described the incident as “isolated” but offered no details on the suspect’s motives or weapons used. The FBI joined the response, signaling a federal investigation. Authorities urged the public to avoid speculation as they process the scene.

Casualties Reported: Numbers Unclear

Initial reports indicate multiple casualties, with ambulances rushing victims to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare by 12:30 PM. Hospital officials confirmed they were treating “several” patients but provided no specific count or injury details. Police have not confirmed fatalities, though unverified X posts mentioned “at least two” deaths. Official sources, including AP, reported a “mass casualty incident” but stressed numbers were preliminary. The hospital remains on high alert, with trauma teams mobilized.

Campus Paralyzed by Fear

FSU’s 44,300 students faced a nightmare as the active shooter alert hit. The Student Union, a lively hub near the state Capitol, became a scene of terror. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing students flee in all directions. “I was grabbing lunch when the alarms went off,” a junior told WCTV. “We hid in a storage room for an hour.” Police cleared buildings room by room, declaring the campus secure by 3:00 PM. The Student Union remains cordoned off as a crime scene.

Eyewitness Buzz: Verified Accounts

Verified X posts captured the urgency. @WCTV tweeted at 8:55 AM PDT: “BREAKING: Active shooter at FSU Student Union. Police responding.” By 9:45 AM, they added: “Suspect detained, campus on lockdown.” @BBCBreaking posted at 10:20 AM: “Shooting reported at Florida State University. Injuries confirmed, suspect in custody.” Students shared shaky videos of police vehicles flooding Landis Green, though official sources cautioned against unverified footage. A parent visiting campus told AP he saw “kids running and crying” near the Union.

Swift Official Response

Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the crisis on X at 12:10 PM: “Praying for FSU. State police are supporting local law enforcement.” Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey vowed a thorough investigation, praising first responders. FSU’s alert system kept students informed, texting updates like “Stay indoors, lock doors.” The Leon County Sheriff’s Office deployed deputies to assist, while the Florida Highway Patrol secured nearby roads. Federal agents arrived by 2:30 PM, per Reuters, to aid the probe.

Global Backdrop: A Violent Day

The FSU shooting unfolds amid global turmoil. In Sudan, clashes between rival factions killed 25 civilians in Khartoum, per BBC, pushing the conflict’s death toll past 20,000. In Taiwan, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Taipei, causing minor injuries, per USGS. In the U.S., a pipeline explosion in Oklahoma injured three workers, per AP. The FSU incident adds to a grim 2025, with 14 school shootings recorded nationwide, per Reuters, fueling fears about campus safety.

What It Means Now

The immediate impact is profound. FSU, a cornerstone of Tallahassee’s 200,000-strong community, has suspended operations through April 19, leaving students and faculty shaken. The Student Union, a daily hotspot, is now a crime scene, with classes likely moving online. Tallahassee faces heightened security, with police patrolling near the Capitol, just a mile away. Nationally, the shooting reignites debates over gun laws and campus security, especially in Florida, where permissive firearm policies hold firm. The FBI’s involvement suggests a deep dive into the suspect’s background, though no motive is confirmed. Hospitals are stretched thin, and families await updates on victims. The incident may prompt universities nationwide to reassess safety protocols.

Tallahassee Reels

Located in Leon County, Tallahassee is a vibrant college town, home to FSU’s Seminoles and a bustling state government. FSU, founded in 1851, boasts a sprawling campus and a proud academic legacy. Today, that legacy is marred. Students gathered outside locked dorms, some in tears, as seen in AP footage. The Leon County School District briefly locked down nearby schools but lifted restrictions by 1:30 PM. Verified X posts from @Seminoles read: “All campus events canceled until further notice. Stay safe.”

Investigation Underway

Tallahassee Police are combing through evidence, with the FBI leading a parallel probe. The suspect’s motives remain a mystery—was this a planned attack or a spontaneous act? The choice of the Student Union, packed with students at midday, raises questions. Chief Revell promised “transparency” but urged patience as forensic teams work. The suspect’s identity, still withheld, is a focal point, with unverified rumors of a student connection swirling on X. The investigation may explore online activity or prior incidents, though no details are confirmed.

Echoes of Past Tragedies

FSU is no stranger to violence. In 2014, Myron May shot three people at Strozier Library before police killed him. That attack led to stronger alert systems and drills, yet today’s incident exposed gaps. The Student Union’s open layout makes it vulnerable, despite security cameras and patrols. With over 44,000 students, securing FSU’s campus is a daunting task. The university may face pressure to install metal detectors or expand police presence, though such measures spark debate.

National and Local Spotlight

The shooting dominates news cycles. CNN and Fox News aired live updates, while WCTV and the Tallahassee Democrat provided local coverage. @BBCBreaking tweeted: “Active shooter at Florida State University neutralized. Casualties reported.” The incident amplifies calls for gun reform, though Florida’s laws remain unchanged under Governor DeSantis. Nationally, 2025 has seen 150 mass shootings, per AP, with schools increasingly targeted. FSU’s tragedy may drive policy discussions, but immediate change is unlikely.

Stay sharp with Ongoing Now 24

Tallahassee mourns as FSU grapples with an unthinkable tragedy. A suspect is in custody, but questions linger. The Student Union, once a symbol of community, is now a crime scene. Stay sharp with Ongoing Now 24 for real-time updates on this crisis and the world’s unfolding stories.