TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – At least four people have been hospitalized after an active shooter was reported on Florida State University’s campus, officials said Thursday afternoon.
The shooter was reported in the area of the Student Union, per the alert shared at 12:01 p.m.
Officials with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital confirmed to WCTV that four victims are hospitalized.
In a statement to WCTV just before 12:50 p.m., a Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare representative wrote the following:
At about 12:40 p.m., FSU said police are on the scene. For those in need of immediate emergency assistance, FSU says to call 911 or the university’s police department at 850-644-1234.
Those on Florida State’s campus are advised to seek shelter and await further instructions, per the university emergency alert. Please remain vigilant.
“Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures,” the alert said.
For those who are not already on the main campus, FSU says to avoid coming on campus at this time.
Around that same time, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said they are actively engaged in the incident.
All classes and university events scheduled for Thursday are canceled, according to the university.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shared to X, formerly known as Twitter, just before 1:15 p.m., “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
Officials are still working to secure the campus, so only early information is available. A witness on the scene told WCTV they witnessed a college-aged man exit the student union with a handgun.
Students who were in the Student Union at the time of the shooting told a WCTV reporter they heard about 15 to 20 gunshots. The students said they then fled the scene and took shelter in a church across the street.
One father, who was in Tallahassee with his twin daughters for an FSU campus tour, said they were looking at a menu on campus when shots rang out.
“I couldn’t believe it. Shots fired. It was surreal. People just started running. She got trampled over,” Chris Pento, the father said.
He said they tried to hide in rooms off a long hallway but all the doors were locked.
That’s when the father said about 50 people ran into a service elevator and when the doors opened, there were two officers with guns drawn who helped them get out.
“I just hope everyone is okay. I’m praying for those people who are injured and I just hope we can do better in the future,” one student told a WCTV reporter.
A graduate student on campus nearby said he saw a college-aged man emerge from the Student Union with a handgun.
WCTV crews are near Florida State to learn more.
Leon County schools near the area are under a lockout, according to the school district’s spokesperson, Chris Petley. He did not specify which schools are under the lockout.
In an update at 12:55 p.m., LCS said high schools still plan to dismiss at 1:50 p.m., at this time.
WCTV is working to learn more.
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