TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Politicians from President Donald Trump to the Florida House Speaker spoke out in public and on social media Thursday as law enforcement responded to an active shooter incident at Florida State University.
At least six people were hospitalized after the shooting broke out in the area of the Student Union.
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Trump, during a news event in the Oval Office, said he was fully briefed on the situation.
A White House communications advisor posted a video of the president speaking.
“It’s a horrible thing. It’s horrible that things like this take place,” he said.
“I have been briefed on the Florida State University active shooter. It’s a shame.” - President @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/c7kak3BPms
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) April 17, 2025
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel also posted statements, saying the FBI was on campus.
The @FBI is on the scene at Florida State and we are in communication with agents on the ground. Our priority is the safety of everyone involved. We will keep updating as we learn more. Praying for all.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 17, 2025
My team and I have been briefed on the tragic shooting at Florida State and our FBI Jacksonville team is on the ground assisting. We will provide full support to local law enforcement as needed. Please keep the FSU community in your prayers.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 17, 2025
Gov. Ron DeSantis said state law enforcement was responding to the situation. In a video statement issued later in the afternoon, DeSantis said he and first lady Casey DeSantis were praying for the FSU community, and that the killer must be brought to justice.
“We are all Seminoles today,” DeSantis said.
We stand with Florida State University. Today, we are all Seminoles. pic.twitter.com/dUMW3eL48r
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 17, 2025
The Florida Capitol building, which is close to FSU’s campus, was briefly put on lockdown as law enforcement responded to the shooting.
Senate President Ben Albritton said lawmakers saw the first responder vehicles going to the school.
From our vantage point here in the Senate, we can see and hear many first responder vehicles rushing to FSU. Grateful for their courage.
— Ben Albritton (@Sen_Albritton) April 17, 2025
Praying for the entire FSU community. 🙏 https://t.co/7vu8H0hDzn
House Speaker Daniel Perez graduated from Florida State University in 2009.
What we are watching unfold at FSU is terrifying and every parent’s worst nightmare. We are continuing to monitor the news here in Tallahassee and urge everyone to pray for the students, families, faculty, first responders and all involved.
— Daniel Perez (@Daniel_PerezFL) April 17, 2025
Another alumnus of FSU, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, shared the following statement:
“Our hearts go out to those affected by the senseless shooting at Florida State University, as well as their families and loved ones. It is especially painful to see this act of violence occur during the holy season. My wife, former Congresswoman Val Demings, and I are both proud alumni of FSU. A college campus should be a place of peace, learning and discovery, and not a place of violence.”
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Orlando, who has fought for gun violence solutions in Congress, said he is ready to work with Republicans on legislation.
I have no words to describe the pain the FSU community, and students and faculty on campus must be feeling right now. I’m praying for everyone’s health and safety.
— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) April 17, 2025
It doesn’t have to be this way. I’m ready to offer more than thoughts and prayers. I’m ready to vote on… https://t.co/FbAvJtegps
Here are more statements from lawmakers and community leaders around the state.
My office is responding to the active shooter situation on FSU’s campus, and we will provide updates as they become available.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) April 17, 2025
My office has already been in contact with school leadership about the tragic reporting on FSU’s campus. I am praying for the safety of the students, faculty and all first responders involved.
— Senator Ashley Moody (@SenAshleyMoody) April 17, 2025
Praying for the safety of everyone at FSU and a swift recovery for those injured. My team has been in touch with local law enforcement and continues to monitor the situation - students should continue to follow directions from school officials. https://t.co/C4NxX7Fscj
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) April 17, 2025
I am closely monitoring the situation at FSU. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire FSU community as we hope for everyone’s safety.
— Rep. Mike Haridopolos (@RepHaridopolos) April 17, 2025
Praying for the victims in this senseless shooting at FSU. Grateful to our first responders and law enforcement who run towards the gun shots to serve and protect as this situation continues to unfold. https://t.co/HvIzlwkgdA
— Rep. Cory Mills 🇺🇸 (@RepMillsPress) April 17, 2025
I’m monitoring this horrible tragedy in Tallahassee. My thoughts are with those in the hospital, their families, and the FSU community during this time.
— Congressman Jared Moskowitz (@RepMoskowitz) April 17, 2025
Students should be able to go to school without the threats of gun violence. This is why we passed the Marjory Stoneman… https://t.co/wIRADwZvfr
I am heartbroken to watch reports of a shooting at FSU. My thoughts are with the students, faculty, staff, first responders, and the entire Tallahassee community. We are safe and at the State Capitol, waiting for verified updates. Please continue to listen to local guidance.
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, PhD 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) April 17, 2025
I love FSU, the students, faculty and the entire community. I 🙏 that everyone is ok and for the brave first responders rushing to help. ♥️ 💛
— U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (@USRepKCastor) April 17, 2025
Head Coach Jamahl Mosley spoke with the media after Thursday's practice. pic.twitter.com/Vlp7zRpC2e
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 17, 2025
