At least two gunmen stormed Florida State University in the United States on Thursday and killed one person, leaving six others injured.
The midday massacre unfolded on the Tallahassee campus like a scene from a war zone, with screams, sirens, and gunshots captured in spine-chilling social media footage that quickly went viral.
Authorities say one of the shooters has been arrested, but the motive remains unclear as the investigation kicks off.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of sheer panic and confusion.
A student, Max Jenkins, recounted how the gunman turned his weapon on a maintenance worker trying to warn others before firing toward a crowd. “He shot like two in our direction,” Jenkins told Tallahassee Democrat.
“I saw a girl go down and get stretchered off… I hope she made it.”
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare confirmed all six injured were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds, at least one victim is in critical condition, while others are battling serious injuries.
In an initial wave of misinformation, local media had reported up to five fatalities, citing unnamed police sources.
That figure has since been revised to one confirmed death, but officials warned the death toll could rise.
Trump says he’s been briefed on the FSU shooting in Tallahassee, calling it “a horrible thing.” He added that more details will be shared later. pic.twitter.com/qsulYLVic8
— Geopoliti Monitor (@GeopolitixM) April 17, 2025
President Donald Trump was swiftly briefed on the incident and called the shooting a “shame” and a “horrible thing.” He told reporters: “We’ll have more to say about it later.”
FSU, a historic public university with a student body of nearly 45,000, was founded in 1851 and has produced alumni like legendary actor Burt Reynolds and The Doors frontman Jim Morrison.
All Florida State athletics home events through Sunday, April 20, have been canceled.
Further updates on events scheduled for next week will be communicated when available.
— FSU Seminoles (@Seminoles) April 17, 2025
But on Thursday, its sprawling 485-acre campus was stained by a gruesome act of gun violence that left a dark cloud over the Sunshine State’s capital.
Security has been tightened around the school, and investigators are combing the scene for clues but students are left grappling with trauma and fear.
Eyewitness account from Florida State University student Max Jenkins
They kept wondering how such a bloodbath could erupt in what was supposed to be a place of learning.
