6 wounded, 1 critically after active shooter reported near Florida State University's student union

Ana Ceballos and Milena Malaver, Miami Herald on Apr 17, 2025

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Six people were wounded, one critically, on Thursday after a person reportedly opened fire near Florida State University’s student union.

Police swarmed the university’s Tallahassee campus with guns drawn around noon. Students hid in classrooms. Some fled the area with hands in the air, leaving behind backpacks, food and even shoes.

“Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions,” the university told students in an alert sent at 12:02 p.m. “Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.”

Details remained vague about two hours later. One person was in custody, according to multiple media outlets, though police had yet to confirm that to the Miami Herald.

A Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare spokeswoman confirmed that six people were being treated for injuries after the incident. Five were in serious condition, she said. One person was in critical condition.

Local and state police were on scene, as well as the FBI, according to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters Thursday from the Oval Office, said he’d been briefed on the shooting. “It’s horrible that things like this take place,” the president said.

Videos posted to social media shortly after the shooting was first reported showed students walking with their hands raised, and officers running with guns drawn. Later, videos showed police calmly directing students about where they could and couldn’t go on campus.

Tallahassee police said a student reunification center had been set up at the The Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

“Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding,” Gov. Ron DeSantis posted to X.

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(Miami Herald editor David Smiley contributed to this report.)