Three Students Injured after Gunman Opens Fire in Florida State Library
Florida State University police killed the shooter
- By Matt Holden
- Nov 20, 2014
Three students were injured a gunman killed when police swarmed Florida State University early Thursday after the shooter opened fire inside Strozier Library, according to reports.
Police said in a press conference Thursday that one of the three victims is in critical condition.
At least two people with gunshot wounds were transported to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, while the third was released from medics’ care after being treated for a graze wound.
FSU officers shot and killed the gunman, who has not been identified.
Campus police responded first after receiving a report of an armed person near the library at 12:30 a.m. and promptly confronted the unidentified gunman.
FSU police officers ordered the gunman to lay down their weapon, but the suspect fired at them instead, police said.
“The gunman fired a shot at the officers and they returned fire, killing the suspect,” Tallahassee Police spokesman David Northway said.
Police have not identified the victims, but confirmed all three are FSU students.
The university issued an emergency alert warning students and staff to seek shelter and stay away from doors and windows, which led to several tense hours of uncertainty playing out on social media.
“There has been a shooting at the library,” Tallahassee police can be heard announcing in a video. “Stay where you are. We’ll be coming to each floor and clearing it and taking care of anybody.”
Northway said authorities did not believe there were any other threats related to the incident. Shortly after 4 a.m., a loud tone sounded across the campus followed by an announcement that the campus was "all clear."
At the same time, authorities allowed hundreds of students who had been shepherded into a classroom building next to Strozier Library, a multistory building in the center of the Tallahassee campus, to return to their homes.
FSU President John Thrasher released a statement Thursday morning.
"The Florida State University community is extremely saddened by the shootings that took place early this morning at Strozier Library, in the very heart of campus," Thrasher said.
About the Author
Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.