Three Students Injured after Gunman Opens Fire in Florida State Library

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 Injured after Gunman Opens Fire in Florida State LibraryThree 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.

Featured

  • The Next Generation

    Video security technology has reached an inflection point. With advancements in cloud infrastructure and internet bandwidth, hybrid cloud solutions can now deliver new capabilities and business opportunities for security professionals and their customers. Read Now

  • Help Your Customer Protect Themselves

    In the world of IT, insider threats are on a steep upward trajectory. The cost of these threats - including negligent and malicious employees that may steal authorized users’ credentials, rose from $8.3 million in 2018 to $16.2 million in 2023. Insider threats towards physical infrastructures often bleed into the realm of cybersecurity; for instance, consider an unauthorized user breaching a physical data center and plugging in a laptop to download and steal sensitive digital information. Read Now

  • Enhanced Situation Awareness

    Did someone break into the building? Maybe it is just an employee pulling an all-nighter. Or is it an actual perpetrator? Audio analytics, available in many AI-enabled cameras, can add context to what operators see on the screen, helping them validate assumptions. If a glass-break detection alert is received moments before seeing a person on camera, the added situational awareness makes the event more actionable. Read Now

  • Transformative Advances

    Over the past decade, machine learning has enabled transformative advances in physical security technology. We have seen some amazing progress in using machine learning algorithms to train computers to assess and improve computational processes. Although such tools are helpful for security and operations, machines are still far from being capable of thinking or acting like humans. They do, however, offer unique opportunities for teams to enhance security and productivity. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge. 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3