TALHASSEE, Fla. (Nexstar/WFLA) – Several people have been hospitalized and the suspect is reportedly in custody following an active shooter alert at Florida State University.
FSU’s emergency notification system did not indicate whether the suspect was arrested at 3:30pm, but CNN and Associated Press law enforcement sources showed that at least one suspect was in custody.
The Tallahassee Police Department told Nexter that the campus has since been secured. Law enforcement sources also confirmed that they “neutralized the threat” through the school’s emergency alert system.
“Several law enforcement agencies remain on the scene due to ongoing investigations,” Tallahassee Police wrote in a statement obtained by Nexstar. “The Student Union and its surrounding areas are still considered active crime scenes. Individuals should not return to the area for any reason.”
Police responded to an active shooter report from the school’s Student Union around 12pm. According to an alert issued by X’s FSU, people in the campus and nearby areas were told to evacuate into place and lock them up and leave through all windows and doors.
By 1pm, law enforcement is said to be “actively exempt from the main campus,” according to FSU’s emergency alert system.
Video: Police respond to Florida State University’s active shooter
FBI representatives confirmed with Nexstar that the agent responded to the university to assist with the investigation.
Comforting people on Florida State University campus in Tallahassee, law enforcement responded to the active shooter incident reported on Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne) Florida college students await the news amid an active shooter incident on the school campus in Tallahassee, Florida. Thursday, April 17th, 2025, School Campus in Tallahassee, Florida (AP Photo/Kate Payne)
Nearby Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Hospital issued a statement following reports of the shooting. The spokesman later confirmed that six people were being treated at the hospital, and one was in a state of crisis.
The other patients were in serious condition, the spokesman said.
“TMH is actively receiving and caring for patients related to incidents that occurred at Florida State University. At this time, details are still being rolled out and we don’t have any specific information to share. However, we want to ensure that our team is fully mobilized and ready to provide the highest level of care and support to all affected people.”
After FSU issued its first active shooter alert on Thursday, ambulances, fire trucks and patrol vehicles from multiple law enforcement competed towards a campus just west of Florida’s capital.
“Our prayers are our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding,” Gov. Ron Desantis wrote in X.
Students flee from active shooters at Florida State University
Hundreds of students have moved away from the student union’s direction. Students were glued to their phones, some were visible and emotional, others hugged each other. Dozens gathered near the music school awaiting news.
The Tallahassee Police Department said the “Student Reunification Centre” was established at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. The bus is now available to students who need transportation to the centre.
Florida State University students await news during an active shooter incident on the school campus in Tallahassee, Florida on Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne)
Ryan Sederglen, a 21-year-old communications student, said he and about 30 people hid in a lower-level bowling alley at the Student Union after seeing students running from a nearby bar.
“At that moment, it was survival,” he said.
President Donald Trump opened an oval office meeting with the Italian Prime Minister on Thursday, saying he was “fully explained.”
“That’s horrifying,” he added. “It’s scary for something like this to happen.”
This is a developing story. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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