(Florida Phoenix) — Police have made an arrest in a shooting incident at Florida State University, according to a newspaper report that cited a Tallahassee Police Department spokesperson.
The Tallahassee Democrat reported “multiple injuries” — as confirmed later by a spokesperson for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
“TMH can confirm that we have received six patients — one in critical condition and the rest in serious condition,” the representative said in a written statement at 1:44 p.m.
Earlier, the hospital issued a statement “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.
“We remain in close coordination with emergency responders and public safety officials. Out of respect for patient privacy and to ensure accurate information, we will provide updates as soon as they are available. We ask for your patience and compassion during this difficult time.”
The newspaper reported that students and faculty sheltered in place behind barricaded doors while waiting for authorities.
In the Florida Capitol, just blocks away from campus, police locked the building down at approximately 1 p.m. but reopened it after some 20 minutes.
Capitol police stood at the building’s entrances, long guns in hand. A group of students from Wakulla County lined up against the wall with teachers explaining that they should follow the same shooter protocol they’d learned in in school.
Leon High School, located less than two miles from the FSU student union, sent an email to parents at 12:25 p.m. saying the school was in “LOCKOUT” meaning students weren’t being allowed to leave the classrooms. Principal Michael W. Bryan sent a second email about an hour later telling parents the school was still on LOCKOUT but that dismissal would occur on time. “Leon students and staff are safe and secure and well supervised. Thank you for your patience. Please stay safe!” Bryan wrote in the email.
E.W. Scripps television reporter Forest Saunders posted footage of abandoned personal belongings on a campus lawn. “FSU students evacuated so fast from parts of campus they left food, laptops, and shoes behind on the lawn,” he wrote.
“Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding,” Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on X.
“My office is responding to the active shooter situation on FSU’s campus, and we will provide updates as they become available,” state Attorney General James Uthmeier wrote in his own post. U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, the former AG, wrote that she, too, was in contact with campus officials and was “praying for the safety of the students, faculty and all first responders involved.”
“What we are watching unfold at FSU is terrifying and every parent’s worst nightmare,” House Speaker Daniel Perez wrote. “We are continuing to monitor the news here in Tallahassee and urge everyone to pray for the students, families, faculty, first responders and all involved.”
“From our vantage point here in the Senate, we can see and hear many first responder vehicles rushing to FSU. Grateful for their courage. Praying for the entire FSU community,” Senate President Ben Albritton wrote at 12:37 p.m.
By mid afternoon, FSU announced law enforcement had “neutralized the threat.”
That alert followed several issued earlier in the day warning about an active shooter on Florida State University’s campus in Tallahassee, with officials advising the community to shelter in place.
“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 measures,” a message delivered over the FSUAlert system reported shortly after noon.
A follow-up message advised: “Persons in need of immediate emergency assistance should call 9-1-1 or FSUPD at 850-644-1234. Obtain additional information and updates from https://alerts.fsu.edu/.
Sirens could be heard blocks away in downtown Tallahassee.
This is a developing story and will be updated
