2 killed and 5 injured in mass shooting at Florida State University
What we know so far
• Deadly FSU shooting: Two people, who were not students, were killed and five wounded in a shooting today at Florida State University in Tallahassee, according to local police.
• The suspect: Police shot the suspected gunman, who is now hospitalized. Authorities identified him as a 20-year-old FSU student and the son of a local sheriff’s deputy, saying he used a handgun that used to be his mother’s service weapon.
• Weapons recovered: Officers found the handgun on the suspect as they took him into custody, as well as a shotgun in the school’s student union and another gun in the suspect’s car, according to a law enforcement official.
• What it’s like on campus: Law enforcement officials say the campus is now secure and are asking students to stay away from active crime scene areas. All classes and school events are canceled through tomorrow, the school said.
Suspected shooter "did not comply with commands," authorities say
From CNN's Dalia Faheid
The suspected gunman “did not comply with commands” from law enforcement at Florida State University before he was shot, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.
Revell said he does not believe the suspect fired at officers.
Authorities identified the suspected gunman as a 20-year-old FSU student and the son of a local sheriff’s deputy. The suspect is also hospitalized.
Handgun found with suspected shooter belonged to his mother, who is a sheriff's deputy, police say
From CNN's Elise Hammond
The handgun found with the suspected shooter when he was taken into custody belonged to his mother, who is a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.
“This weapon was a weapon that the deputy previously used,” he said.
For many agencies, when a deputy or officer gets a new handgun, they “are allowed to purchase the handgun they used prior,” Revell said.
“This was a handgun that that deputy used prior to them transitioning to a new handgun and so it was her personal handgun,” he said.
34 min ago
Suspect isn't speaking to law enforcement, police chief says
From CNN's Taylor Romine
The suspect in the Florida State University shooting, Phoenix Ikner, invoked his right not to speak when he was taken into custody by police, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.
Florida State University president: "We're absolutely heartbroken by the violence"
From CNN's Dalia Faheid
Today is a “tragic day” for the Florida State University community, President Richard McCullough said.
“We’re absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today,” he said at a news conference.
McCullough said the university is working to support the victims, their families and everyone impacted by the shooting. He has visited the hospital and met with student victims, he added.
“Our hearts go out to our students and the victims of this of this terrible tragedy,” he said. “I have to say that our law enforcement, our FSU police officers — absolute heroes in this regard.”
Officers’ immediate response “prevented this from being a bigger tragedy,” he added.
At least 6 people injured in mass shooting at Florida State University
By Holly Yan, Ryan Young, Isabel Rosales, Nick Valencia and Dakin Andone, CNN
(CNN) — At least six people were injured in a mass shooting at Florida State University on Thursday, according to hospital officials, who had earlier confirmed to CNN it was receiving and treating patients from the campus.
All six patients had suffered gunshot injuries, a spokesperson for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare said. One of those patients is in critical condition, while five are serious.
A suspect is in custody, according to two law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the situation.
The extent of the injuries is unclear, according to the law enforcement sources, citing preliminary reports.
FSU Alert, the university’s emergency notifications system, warned the campus of a reported “active shooter” near Student Union just after noon on Thursday.
“Police are on scene or on the way,” the alert posted on X read. “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.”
CNN has reached out to the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s office and the university. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said it is “actively engaged in the incident on FSU’s campus.”
Students escorted with their hands up
Florida State University student Emily Palmer, 21, was near FSU’s student union when she was alerted to a “dangerous situation” on campus.
“I’m shaking … It’s just a lot going on,” Palmer told CNN from the safety of her student housing.
“I’m concerned about my friends,” she said. “I have friends in class right who are getting evacuated by police with their hands up.”
Joshua Sirmans was in the university’s main library when he said alarms began going off warning of an active shooter, according to the Associated Press. The 20-year-old junior said law enforcement officers escorted him and other students out of the library with their hands over their heads.
Messages sent via FSU Alert urged people on campus to continue to shelter in place. “Law enforcement is actively clearing rooms on the main campus,” one message said.
Richard Rind, the university’s director of transportation and parking, told CNN he was sheltered in place Thursday as emergency vehicles descended on campus.
“Many emergency vehicles on scene but can’t see much as we are locked down in a building across the street,” Rind told CNN, adding he heard shots and saw people running as the incident unfolded Thursday afternoon.
Gov. Ron DeSantis extended his thoughts to the university in a post on X, writing, “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier similarly posted that his office was responding to FSU’s campus.
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Sara Smart and Dalia Faheid contributed to this report.
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