A Campus in Shock

In a harrowing event that sent shockwaves through Florida State University, a gunman unleashed chaos on campus Thursday, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals and leaving at least five others injured. Authorities confirmed that the shooter, a 20-year-old student, utilized a service weapon previously owned by his father, a sheriff’s deputy.

The Victims and Eyewitness Accounts

The two deceased were not students, yet the incident struck a chord throughout the student body. Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower revealed that the shooter is believed to be a student himself. As the situation unfolded, five victims were rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for treatment, alongside the shooter who also sustained injuries.

Eyewitnesses described a frantic scene as students and concerned parents scrambled for safety. Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, recounted hiding in the bowling alley with around 30 others after witnessing a mass exodus from a nearby bar. "In that moment, it was survival," he said.

Desperate Attempts to Escape

Chris Pento, who was on a campus tour with his twins, shared his chilling experience. Hearing gunshots while having lunch, he and his children fled to a service elevator after encountering locked doors. "That was probably the scariest point because we didn’t know. It could get worse, right?" he recounted, recalling the moment when police finally opened the doors with weapons drawn.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

A swift response from law enforcement ensued, with multiple agencies racing to the scene after the university issued an active shooter alert. Approximately three hours following the incident, authorities announced that the threat had been "neutralized." In the aftermath, crime scene tape cordoned off the student union, where forensics teams were busy gathering evidence.

Community Grieves, President Responds

In the bustling atmosphere of chaos and fear, students and staff who left belongings behind gathered in shaded areas, praying for the victims' recovery. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office, expressing his condolences and sorrow over the tragic event.

A Somber Reminder of Campus Safety

With a student enrollment of approximately 44,000, Florida State University is one of the state's major public universities. Sadly, this is not the first time the campus has faced tragedy; a similar shooting incident occurred in 2014, where an assailant wounded three before being shot down by police.

Classes and all events for the day have been cancelled, and ongoing home athletic events have been suspended through the weekend as the university community reflects on this devastating incident.