Active Shooter at Florida State University Leaves Multiple Injured, Campus Locked Down as Authorities Respond to Chaotic Incident at Student Union
TALLAHASSEE, FL – April 17, 2025 — A day of fear and chaos has engulfed Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee after reports of an active shooter at the university’s bustling Student Union prompted a full campus lockdown, cancellation of all classes, and a swift and coordinated response by law enforcement agencies.
According to university officials and early law enforcement reports, at least four individuals have been transported to local hospitals after sustaining injuries during the incident, which unfolded during peak daytime hours on Thursday. The conditions of the injured have not yet been officially confirmed, and their identities remain undisclosed.
FSU issued an immediate emergency alert shortly after noon, instructing all students, faculty, and staff to shelter in place, avoid doors and windows, and prepare to take protective action. The message, distributed via campus-wide alert systems and social media, confirmed the presence of a suspected active shooter near or inside the Student Union building, a central hub of student activity.
Authorities from multiple agencies, including the Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and campus security, responded rapidly, securing the area and beginning a room-by-room sweep of nearby buildings. As of Thursday evening, law enforcement has not yet provided a clear update on whether a suspect remains at large or in custody.
Eyewitness reports described scenes of confusion and fear as students and university staff scrambled to take cover. Social media quickly became a conduit for real-time updates, including harrowing video footage that appears to show at least one victim with a gunshot wound lying outside a campus facility. In another widely circulated video, a man can be seen being restrained and shackled by law enforcement before being removed from the premises, though police have yet to confirm his involvement.
“It was absolute chaos,” said one sophomore who was inside the Student Union at the time of the shooting. “We heard a loud noise and then people were running and screaming. Everyone just tried to get somewhere safe.”
The incident occurred during a time of heightened campus activity, with many students attending midday events, classes, or lunch. The quick reaction of FSU’s emergency alert system is being credited by some for helping to minimize potential additional harm.
University President Richard McCullough issued a brief statement via social media, urging calm while praising first responders and ensuring the community that all necessary measures were being taken to secure the campus and care for those affected.
“Our thoughts are with those injured and everyone impacted by today’s tragic event. We are working closely with law enforcement and will provide updates as soon as we are able,” McCullough wrote. “The safety of our FSU family is our top priority.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has reportedly been briefed on the situation and issued a statement offering state resources to support local law enforcement and FSU officials.
This is not the first time a major Florida university has faced an emergency of this magnitude, but Thursday’s events have reignited urgent conversations around gun safety, campus preparedness, and mental health services in academic institutions.
Authorities are asking anyone with information or relevant video footage of the event to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, FSU has established a crisis hotline and is offering mental health support to students, faculty, and families impacted by the incident.
The university will remain closed through Friday, and all non-essential personnel have been asked to stay off campus until further notice.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.