(DEVELOPING) Florida State University (FSU) instructed students and staff to shelter in place on Thursday, April 17, 2025, as law enforcement responded to reports of a possible active shooter on its Tallahassee campus.
The university’s alert system issued a warning around 12:01 p.m. ET, stating that an active shooter was reported near the Student Union, a central campus hub.
FSU police described the situation as an “active scene” and are working to secure the area.
The university posted on X, urging those on campus to “lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.”
A follow-up alert at 12:19 p.m. reiterated the shelter-in-place order, noting that police were responding to the active shooter call and advising everyone to remain vigilant.
A senior Florida law enforcement source told Fox News that at least one person was in custody, though it was not confirmed whether this individual was the shooter.
The FBI’s Jacksonville field office and Tallahassee resident agency are assisting at the scene. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement, saying, “The FBI is on the scene at Florida State, and we are in communication with agents on the ground.
Our priority is the safety of everyone involved. We will keep updating as we learn more.
Praying for all.” FBI Director Kash Patel was briefed on the situation, and Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed the bureau’s presence.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) confirmed it received patients related to the incident but did not disclose the number of patients or the nature of their injuries, citing privacy concerns.
“At this time, details are still unfolding, and we do not yet have specific information to share,” TMH stated.
“However, we want to assure the community that our teams are fully mobilized and prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected.”
The hospital is coordinating with emergency responders and public safety officials.
Local authorities, including Tallahassee police and firefighters, were dispatched to the scene, and emergency vehicles were visible near the campus.
FSU canceled all remaining classes and activities, including athletic events, for the day. Nearby Leon County schools were placed under a lockout as a precaution.
This incident follows a 2014 shooting at FSU’s Strozier Library, where a gunman injured three people before being killed by campus police. Florida State University, established in 1851, is one of the largest universities in the United States.
