FBI and Political Leaders Respond to at Least 2 Dead and 5 Injured in Active Shooting Event at FSU
Update, 4/17/25 4:30 pm: Tallahassee Police Department reported in this evening's news conference that 2 people have been reported dead and 5 remain injured and are receiving care in the hospital. They have identified the shooter as a 20-year-old FSU student who is also currently being treated at the hospital. The shooter is the son of a local deputy and had access to his mother's weapon. They are still investigating how the weapon was used and other weapons the shooter may have had access to.
Florida State University was placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon after an active shooter was reported near the campus’s Student Union. The university immediately issued a “shelter-in-place order” while law enforcement responded to what officials are calling an “active scene.”
At 12:02 on Thursday afternoon, FSU posted on X, “An active shooter has been reported in the area of the Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions.”
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 measur https://t.co/cBrbt0cLe6
— FSU Alert (@FSUAlert) April 17, 2025
Multiple emergency alerts were sent to students and staff instructing them to stay indoors, lock doors, and avoid windows while police worked to secure the area. At least six people have been reported injured, with one critical case, and one suspect is in custody as the investigation continues.
“We are actively receiving and caring for patients related to this incident,” a Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare representative said in a statement. “We remain in close coordination with emergency responders and public safety officials.”
The FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office and Tallahassee Resident Agency responded quickly to assist local authorities. FBI Director Dan Bongino posted on X, “The FBI is on the scene at FSU. I am en route back to DC from our LA office but we are getting updates on the situation on the plane.”
The FBI is on the scene at FSU. I am en route back to DC from our LA office but we are getting updates on the situation on the plane. We will update you as we learn more.
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) April 17, 2025
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed the urgency. “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,” she wrote on social media.
Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the situation, writing on X, “Our prayers are with our FSU family, and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
As the investigation continues, officials are working to determine a motive and whether the suspect acted alone.
This is a developing story; more information to come.
A Prayer for the Florida State University Community
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up the entire Florida State University community in the wake of today’s tragedy. We pray for the students, teachers, and staff who endured fear and uncertainty, and we ask for Your peace to surround their hearts and minds.
Lord, we especially lift up those who were injured—bring healing to their bodies and comfort to their families.
Thank You for the bravery and swift action of law enforcement, FBI agents and first responders. Strengthen them, protect them, and grant them wisdom as they continue their work in investigating today's tragedy.
We ask for clarity and discernment for the investigators seeking truth and justice. Bring to light every hidden thing and help the community begin the process of healing.
Cover this campus with Your presence, Lord. Let fear be replaced with faith, chaos with calm, and sorrow with hope. May Your love be known throughout the Florida State University campus.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Florida State University
Originally published April 17, 2025.
