Gunman Killed, Three Wounded in Shooting at Florida State University
Three students have been wounded, one critically, after a gunman opened fire at Florida State University. Classes at FSU are cancelled today.
UPDATE: 11/20/2014 8:55am Transportation officials at the university say that although classes are cancelled today all transportation services will run as scheduled.
UPDATE: 11/20/2014 4:45am FSU has released the following statement:
"In order to provide services for our students and employees, the university will remain open today but all classes scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2014 are cancelled, including exams scheduled to be held at the Testing Center on Thursday. University employees are to report today as scheduled. Strozier Library will be closed until further notice. Students will be permitted to retrieve their belongings from the library with the assistance of law enforcement. The families of the three victims have been notified. Counseling services are available to students and employees through the university Counseling Center, the Victim Advocate program and Employee Assistance Program. More information will be posted as it becomes available."
Officials say the FSU campus is now "fully operational," although Strozier Library is closed until further notice.
In a written statement posted on the FSU website President John Thrasher said:
"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, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those who have been affected.
The three students who have been injured are our highest priority followed by the needs of our greater university community. We will do everything possible to assist with their recovery.
Over the past few hours, I have received several briefings from administrators and law enforcement regarding campus safety and security, and they have established that this was an isolated incident. Florida State University and Tallahassee police departments have done an extraordinary job taking quick and decisive action to prevent further tragedy, to secure the scene and to keep campus safe. They have assured me that there is no further threat.
We are increasing security measures and providing a strong law enforcement presence on and around campus today. I have great confidence in the abilities of our local law enforcement agencies to handle this matter.
As we try to make sense of what is a senseless incident, the Counseling Center and Employee Assistance will provide counseling and support for FSU faculty, staff and students affected by these events. Should anyone need or desire such services, please contact the center at the Askew Student Life Building or call (850) 644-2003.
We will continue to share information with you regarding this matter as it becomes available."
UPDATE: 11/202014 4:14am A posting on FSU's Twitter page says that an "all clear" has been issued for the campus:
The FSView, online at fsunews.com, reported that the incident took place on the first floor of the campus' Strozier Library.
It began at approximately 12:30am. At 3:13 this morning The Associated Press reported that the gunman had been shot.
The AP has confirmed that two people are being treated for gunshot wounds at Tallhassee Memorial Healthcare.
There is no official word yet on the identity of the victims, or whether they were students.
The FSView reported that it was FSUPD officers who fatally shot the gunman, who ignored their orders to stand down. The school was immediately placed on lockdown. Counselors were available to students and those with classes and exams scheduled for Thursday have already been given passes.
Dozens of officers are still said to be on the scene. Strozier is closed until further notice.
The video below, reported to be taken by a student at the school from inside the library, shows students listening to the announcement of the shooting at the university. In its students are advised to call 911 if they have been shot or see someone who has been shot:
Students and others connected with the school have already begun printing banners and messages of solidarity for the campus:
The following update is from Tallahassee CBS affiliate WCTV:
This is a developing story. Check back throughout the day for updates.
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