At Least Six Injured in Mass Shooting at Florida State University; Suspect in Custody

A mass shooting at Florida State University on Thursday left at least six people injured and prompted a campus-wide lockdown, according to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and university officials.

Hospital representatives confirmed that all six victims had suffered gunshot injuries, with one in critical condition and five listed as serious.

Authorities say a suspect is in custody, though the exact nature of the injuries and motive remain unclear. Two law enforcement sources confirmed the arrest, noting that the situation is still under active investigation.

The shooting occurred near the FSU Student Union just after noon, prompting the university’s emergency alert system, FSU Alert, to issue immediate shelter-in-place warnings. “Police are on scene or on the way,” the alert stated, urging students and staff to stay away from doors and windows and prepare to take protective measures.

Eyewitness accounts painted a scene of chaos and fear. Student Emily Palmer, 21, told CNN she was near the student union when alerts went out. “I’m shaking… It’s just a lot going on,” she said, adding that some of her friends were evacuated from classes with their hands up.

Another student, Joshua Sirmans, was in the main library when alarms began to sound. He and others were escorted out by police with their hands over their heads.

FSU officials confirmed that law enforcement officers are clearing buildings room by room across the main campus.

Richard Rind, director of transportation and parking for the university, said he was sheltering in place during the incident. “Many emergency vehicles on scene but can’t see much as we are locked down in a building across the street,” he told CNN.

Governor Ron DeSantis shared his support via X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also posted that his office was involved in the campus response.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed its active involvement in the ongoing investigation.

This story will continue to be updated as new details emerge.

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