Gunshots rang out near Florida State University’s Student Union Thursday, April 17, prompting an active shooter alert and a campus-wide lockdown that sent students scrambling for safety. At least four people were hospitalized, and a suspect is in custody, police said, as the university works to secure its Tallahassee campus.
The alert went out at 12:01 p.m. ET, warning of an active shooter in the Student Union area, a busy hub for students.
“Lock and stay away from doors and windows,” FSU’s emergency system urged, telling everyone to shelter in place.
Police flooded the scene within minutes, joined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI agents, officials confirmed.
“It was chaos,” said Ryan Cedergren, a junior who was in the Student Union. “We heard pops and ran outside, then police were everywhere telling us to hide.”
By 12:30 p.m., Tallahassee Memorial Hospital reported four victims had arrived with injuries, though their conditions weren’t immediately clear.
A witness told local station WCTV they saw a college-aged man leave the Student Union with a handgun, firing shots. Police haven’t named the suspect or confirmed a motive, but two law enforcement sources said a college-aged male surrendered shortly after the incident.
“This is a tough day,” said FSU President Richard McCullough in a brief statement. “We’re focused on keeping our community safe and supporting those affected.”
The university canceled all classes and events, including athletic activities, for the day. Students were told to stay off the main campus, and nearby Leon County schools went into lockout mode, though specific schools weren’t named.
Posts on X captured the fear, with students sharing videos of police swarming the area and urging others to stay indoors.
“I was across from the Union,” said Daniella Streety, a sophomore, on X. “It’s scary not knowing what’s happening. Just praying everyone’s okay.”
The incident comes amid heightened concerns about campus safety nationwide. FSU faced a shooting in 2023 near Degraff Hall, where one person was injured, leading to calls for tighter security.
Thursday’s shooting has renewed those worries, with some students questioning how a gun got into the Student Union.
“We’re still gathering facts,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo. “Our priority is making sure the campus is secure.”
Investigators are reviewing body-camera footage and witness accounts to piece together what happened. The university promised updates as police clear the area.
For now, FSU’s 45,000 students and staff are left shaken, waiting for word that their campus is safe again.