Breaking News: Suspect in Custody After Shooting at Florida State University Leaves At Least Four Injured, Police Search for Additional Suspects Continues

Tragedy Strikes Florida State University: Four Injured in Shooting Near Student Union, Suspect in Custody

Tallahassee, FL – A shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on Thursday, April 17, 2025, left at least four people injured and sent shockwaves through the campus and surrounding community. A suspect is in custody, but law enforcement officials are continuing their search for additional shooters, raising concerns about the full scope of the incident. The shooting occurred near the Student Union, a bustling hub of student activity, prompting an immediate lockdown and a swift response from local and federal authorities.

The Incident Unfolds

According to multiple sources cited by ABC News, the shooting took place in the early afternoon, with reports of an active shooter near the Student Union emerging around 12:24 PM. An FSU Alert was issued, advising students to shelter in place as police descended on the scene. Videos circulating online captured the chaos, showing students evacuating the area and first responders rushing to assist.

At least four individuals were injured, though the exact number of victims and the severity of their injuries remain unclear as the situation develops. Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare confirmed that it had received patients from FSU but did not disclose specifics about their conditions. The uncertainty surrounding the number of victims has added to the tension on campus, with sources noting that the injury count could change as the investigation progresses.

A suspect was quickly apprehended, providing some relief to a rattled campus community. However, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional shooters, and the search for other suspects is ongoing. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) stated that it is “actively engaged in the incident,” while the FBI is also assisting local authorities, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

A Campus on Edge

The shooting occurred just days after another school shooting in Dallas, Texas, at Wilmer-Hutchins High School on April 15, 2025, where five students were injured by a 17-year-old suspect who bypassed security through an unsecured door. The proximity of these incidents has reignited national debates about school safety and gun violence, with FSU now joining a growing list of educational institutions grappling with such tragedies.

This is not the first time FSU has faced violence on its campus. In April 2023, a late-night shooting outside Degraff Hall, a co-ed dormitory, injured one person and led to a shelter-in-place order. That incident, described as an aggravated assault stemming from a dispute, left the campus shaken but did not result in fatalities. However, the recurrence of violence at FSU has raised questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures and the broader challenges facing universities nationwide.

Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., whose district includes Tallahassee, issued a statement expressing concern about the incident. “It’s too early to understand the extent of the violence, but early reports are very disturbing,” Dunn said. “Shelter in place. Stay Safe. Thank you to our brave first responders for responding to the situation.”

Students and parents took to social media to share their experiences and fears. One X user, @RyanCedergrenWx, posted videos showing police and first responders at the scene, while others expressed frustration and anxiety over the recurring threat of violence on school campuses.

Community and National Reactions

The X replies to ABC News’ initial post reveal a polarized and emotionally charged public response. Some users, like @Mother_Mayers, resorted to racial slurs and stereotypes, while others, such as @kangzalerts and @wholefttwo, criticized ABC News for perceived inconsistencies in reporting on school shootings involving Black suspects, referencing incidents in Texas and California. @wealth_turtle speculated about the suspect’s race based on the absence of a photo, and @craftbeer_dad assumed the suspect was white, reflecting the deep divisions and assumptions that often surface in the wake of such events.

These reactions underscore the broader societal tensions surrounding gun violence, race, and media coverage in the United States. According to a 2023 FBI report, active shooter incidents in educational settings have risen, with 46% of such events occurring in schools. The report highlighted inadequate security measures and unaddressed mental health challenges as key contributing factors, issues that have been repeatedly cited in the aftermath of school shootings.

The Dallas shooting earlier in the week prompted a walkout by students at Wilmer-Hutchins High School, who demanded better security protocols. A student there told CBS News Texas that she heard seven gunshots during the incident, and local authorities confirmed that the suspect had entered through an unsecured door—a preventable lapse that has fueled calls for reform. In the wake of the FSU shooting, similar demands are likely to emerge as the campus community seeks answers and assurances.

A Broader Crisis

The FSU shooting adds to a troubling trend of violence in educational settings, a problem the FBI has identified as one of the greatest crime challenges in the United States. In a 2018 report, the agency emphasized the need for prevention and enforcement programs, partnering with state and local governments to address youth violence. Yet, despite these efforts, incidents continue to occur with alarming frequency, leaving communities to grapple with grief, fear, and the urgent need for solutions.

As the investigation at FSU unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FSU Police Department’s investigations unit at 850-644-1234. The campus remains on high alert, with students and faculty awaiting further updates on the suspect, potential additional threats, and the condition of the victims.

For now, Tallahassee and the FSU community are left to mourn and reflect on yet another act of violence that has shattered the sense of safety on a college campus. As Rep. Dunn urged, the focus remains on supporting the victims and first responders while ensuring that such tragedies do not become the norm.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.