Reported by KATE PAYNE and DAVID FISCHER
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Following a shooting incident at Florida State University on Thursday, a suspect has been apprehended and multiple victims were reported, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press.
The condition of the victims remains unknown at this time, and there are no further details about the individual in custody.
The source, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to disclose information about the ongoing investigation, provided this information to The AP.
At least six individuals have been hospitalized, with one person in critical condition, as per a spokesperson for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. The other patients are reportedly in serious condition.
Emergency response vehicles from various law enforcement agencies rushed to the campus, located just west of Florida’s state capital, after an active shooter alert was issued by the university near the student union.
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Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the school’s campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne)
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Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the school’s campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne)
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his support for the FSU community, stating that state law enforcement is actively involved in the situation.
Following the alert, hundreds of students evacuated the area near the student union. Many students were visibly distressed, while others sought comfort in each other. A group gathered at the music school to await updates.
Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, recounted how he and around 30 others sought refuge in the bowling alley in the student union after observing students fleeing from a nearby bar.
“In that moment, it was all about survival,” he emphasized.
After approximately 15 minutes of hiding, university police guided the students out of the building, and Cedergren witnessed someone receiving emergency medical attention on the lawn.
Junior Joshua Sirmans, 20, shared his experience of being in the university’s main library when alarms alerted everyone to the active shooter situation. Law enforcement officers led him and his peers out of the library with caution.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed on social media that the Justice Department was coordinating with FBI agents at the scene.
Additional reporting by Associated Press journalist Mike Balsamo from New York.
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