There is an active shooter on Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus, according to an alert sent from the university, with multiple social media reports of gunshots being heard.
This is a developing news story and is being updated. Check back for updates, posted below.
Witness heard gunshots, saw injured students
1:12 p.m. – Will Schatz, an FSU senior, was in Strozier Library on campus around noon with friends when he saw people running. He ran with them, exiting the back of the library at West Call and Dewey streets.
“I could have sworn I saw a cop running after somebody and screaming something when we ran out,” he said. “Then when I got out, I heard seven to eight gunshots. I’m not sure if that was the shooter shooting or if the cops shot the shooter.”
He called his mother right after he got out of the library to tell her he was OK and what happened. Since then, he said he saw four students loaded into ambulances and taken away.
Suspect in custody
1:05 p.m. – A Tallahassee police spokesperson confirmed that one person is in custody but could not confirm any deaths. There were, however, “multiple injuries.”
US Marshals helping evacuate FSU campus
12:58 p.m. – U.S. Marshals with what appeared to be automatic weapons asked students gathered near West Call and Dewey streets to disperse because other students were still being led from the campus’ student union.
“So many people in that building right now, so many to get out,” a marshal was overheard saying.
Students, staff, other huddled around campus
12:51 p.m. – The Democrat’s Alicia Devine is on the FSU campus.
Other journalists on scene posted video of students being led off campus with hands raised.
FSU continues ‘shelter in place’ warning
12:48 p.m. – The alerts.fsu.edu website posted this message: “Continue to shelter in place. Police have responded to an active shooter call at the Student Union. Stay alert for more information. Persons in need of immediate emergency assistance should call 911 or FSUPD at 850-644-1234.”
TMH issues statement
12:44 p.m. – “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 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.
“We remain in close coordination with emergency responders and public safety officials. Out of respect for patient privacy and to ensure accurate information, we will provide updates as soon as they are available. We ask for your patience and compassion during this difficult time.”
Four people hospitalized
12:42 p.m. – WCTV says four people have been taken to Tallahassee Memorial with injuries. “I have not been able to confirm that number just yet,” a hospital spokesperson said.
Local public schools locked down
12:37 p.m. – According to Leon County Schools spokesperson Chris Petley, all Leon County schools are on lockdown as of 12:15 p.m.
Helicopter over campus
12:28 p.m. – The Leon County Sheriff’s Office has sent its helicopter to go over the campus, according to LCSO spokesperson Javonni Hampton. First responders – including state troopers, fire, and various police agencies – were swarming the campus.
A reporter said ambulances were seen heading to FSU and away, in the direction of Tallahassee Memorial, which has a trauma center.
Initial post
“An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union. Police are on the 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 measures,” the text message alert reads.
The Tallahassee Democrat attempted to reach FSUPD but were told all lines were being used. A call was also made to the Tallahassee Police Department and spokesperson Lt. Damon Miller said to “call FSUPD.”
Sirens could be heard all over downtown Tallahassee Thursday morning.
An employee who works in the Bellamy Building told a reporter the building was on lockdown and law enforcement was evacuating people floor by floor. That same person said she heard what sounded like gunfire inside the building. Still another person in the same building reported what sounded like semi-automatic gunfire.
