TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (NEXSTAR/WFLA) – Multiple people are hospitalized and a suspect is reportedly in custody following an active shooter alert at Florida State University.
The emergency notification system for FSU had not indicated whether a suspect had been apprehended as of 2 p.m., but law enforcement sources for CNN and the Associated Press indicated that at least one suspect had been taken into custody. A Tallahassee Police spokesperson confirmed those reports, according to Nexstar's WFLA.
A local hospital also confirmed that at least six people had been hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
Police had responded to the scene as of 12:20 p.m. ET. People on the campus and in the immediate area were also being told to lock and stay away from all windows and doors, according to an alert issued by FSU on X.
By 1 p.m., law enforcement was said to be "actively clearing rooms on the main campus," according to the FSU emergency alert system.
A representative for the FBI also confirmed to Nexstar that agents had responded to the university to assist with the investigation.
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People comfort each other on Florida State University’s campus in Tallahassee, where law enforcement responded to a reported active shooter incident Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Kate Payne) -
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 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)
The nearby Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare hospital released a statement after reports of the shooting, confirming that its facility had accepted injured patients.
“TMH is actively receiving and caring for patients related to an incident that has occurred at Florida State University. At this time, details are still unfolding, and we do not yet have specific information to share. However, we want to assure the community that our teams are fully mobilized and prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected."
The hospital later confirmed at least six people were in its care, with one patient in critical condition. The other patients were in serious condition, the spokesperson said.
FSU first issued an active shooter alert midday on Thursday, after which ambulances, fire trucks and patrol vehicles from multiple law enforcement agencies raced toward the campus that sits just west of Florida's state capital.
“Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding,” Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote on X.
Hundreds of students streamed away from the direction of the student union. Students were glued to their phones, some visibly emotional, while others hugged each other. Dozens gathered near the music school waiting for news.
The Tallahassee Police Department said a "student reunification center" has been set up at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.
Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, said he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley in the lower level of the student union after seeing students running from a nearby bar.
“In that moment, it was survival,” he said.
President Donald Trump opened his Oval Office meeting with the Italian prime minister on Thursday with comments on the shooting at Florida State University, saying that he had been "fully briefed."
“It’s a horrible thing," he added. "It’s horrible that things like this take place.”
This is a developing story. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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