A mass shooting at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus has left at least five people dead and several more wounded after two gunmen opened fire near the Student Union on Thursday around midday.
According to law enforcement, one of the shooters was killed by responding officers, while the second suspect was taken into custody. Neither has been publicly identified at this time, as reported by The Daily Mail.

The campus immediately went into lockdown as students were ordered to shelter in place.
At least four others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare confirmed that one of the injured victims remains in critical condition. The hospital continues to treat multiple patients and is operating under emergency protocols.
Footage shared on social media showed students fleeing in panic, abandoning belongings across the lawn, as reported by The Daily Mail.
One video, filmed inside a classroom, captured students taking cover under desks as someone banged on the door yelling, “open up.”
🚨🇺🇸 FSU SHOOTING: VIDEO SHOWS POLICE BEGGING TO BE LET INTO CLASSROOM
Footage from Florida State University shows someone claiming to be police pleading to be let into a classroom during the active shooter incident.
Students can be heard hesitating, unsure if the person… https://t.co/MOQjA2DgsZ pic.twitter.com/nOy88If1qS
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 17, 2025
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Witnesses described the gunman as a college-aged man who exited the student union carrying a handgun.
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One witness told the Tallahassee Democrat they heard what sounded like “automatic gunfire.”
A university-wide alert instructed students to “lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.”

All classes and events at FSU were canceled for the remainder of the day. The campus remains under strict lockdown, and local residents have been urged to stay inside and avoid the area.
FSU senior Will Schatz told the Tallahassee Democrat he was inside the library when the chaos began.
“I could have sworn I saw a cop running after somebody and screaming something when we ran out. Then when I got out, I heard seven to eight gunshots. I’m not sure if that was the shooter shooting or if the cops shot the shooter.”
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office deployed a helicopter for aerial support. The Tallahassee Fire Department is currently in control of campus operations, and the FBI has confirmed its agents are on scene assisting in the investigation.
Nearby schools under the Leon County School District have also been placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statement saying, “Our prayers are with our FSU family.”
PRAYERS FOR FSU: Gov. Ron DeSantis released a statement offering support to the FSU community after Thursday’s shooting. Read more: https://t.co/if1g71ftTn pic.twitter.com/VI93yYnyuq
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) April 17, 2025
FSU is a public university located in Florida’s capital city with an enrollment of approximately 45,000 students. Notable alumni include actor Burt Reynolds and singer Jim Morrison.
Authorities have not released any information on a possible motive. The investigation remains ongoing.
Original article:
Florida State University (FSU) issued a shelter-in-place order Tuesday following reports of a possible active shooter near the Student Union on its main campus, as reported by The New York Post.
The emergency alert was sent out by the university at approximately 12:02 p.m., warning students, faculty, and staff to immediately take cover.

“An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way,” the university said in an emergency bulletin.
“Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.”
An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measur https://t.co/cBrbt0cLe6
— FSU Alert (@FSUAlert) April 17, 2025
The alert triggered a campus-wide lockdown as law enforcement officers responded to the scene.
The Tallahassee Police Department and FSU campus police were observed securing the perimeter around the Student Union, and multiple emergency vehicles were dispatched to the area.
First responders are on site at FSU pic.twitter.com/ej4nbHMAg4
— Barstool FSU (@FSU_Barstool) April 17, 2025
As of this time, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries, and authorities have not yet verified the presence of a gunman. Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate and sweep buildings in the vicinity of the Student Union.
This is a Emergency Message for Florida State University Tallahassee Campus.
Continue to shelter in place. Police have responded to an active shooter call at the Student Union. Stay alert for more information.
Persons in need of immediate emergency ass https://t.co/gEA734rmI0
— FSU Alert (@FSUAlert) April 17, 2025
Campus operations were immediately suspended following the alert, and students were advised to remain in secure locations until an all-clear is given.
University officials have not yet released additional updates on the situation or provided details regarding the origin of the report.
Just received from my kid at FSU pic.twitter.com/0qi8dHiPBV
— RED BROWARD (@RedBroward) April 17, 2025
The university’s emergency alert system is continuing to update the FSU community through text alerts, emails, and social media platforms.
Parents and families have been advised to avoid the area and not attempt to contact students directly during the lockdown.
FSU officials stated that they will provide further information as it becomes available and emphasized the importance of following all directives issued by law enforcement.
Students on FSU campus are exiting an area near the student union with their hands above their head. pic.twitter.com/mWKhDnfjFs
— Jason Delgado (@JasonDelgadoX) April 17, 2025
This story is developing and will be updated as more information is released by university officials and local authorities.
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