Florida pols offer safety advice, ‘thoughts and prayers’ following FSU shooting

Police responded Thursday to an active shooter situation at Florida State University (FSU), where a gunman opened fire, killing two and injuring six others.

The 20-year-old culprit, the son of a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy, is now in custody.

Numerous Florida politicians reacted to the incident throughout the day, many offering variations of “thoughts and prayers.”

President Donald Trump said he’d been briefed on the shooting.

“It’s a shame, a horrible thing,” he said. “Things like this take place, and we’ll have more to say about it later.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that he and his wife, Jeanette, were “thinking of the @FloridaState community following today’s tragic incident.”

“We’re united in prayer for the students, faculty, and all individuals impacted by this horrific event,” he said.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the FBI was “on the scene” and that her office was communicating with agents on the ground.

“Our priority is the safety of everyone involved,” she said. “We will keep updating as we learn more. Praying for all.”

“Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said online. He later issued a video statement: “Casey and I stand in solidarity and are praying for the entire Florida State community. We’re mourning the two individuals who lost their lives in this tragic attack, and we wish well of those who are currently recovering in the hospital. This killer must and will be brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law.

“I want to also thank the law enforcement personnel who were on the scene both from the university as well as from the city of Tallahassee. They ran towards the danger. They stopped this killer from influcting more harm, and there’s no question that they saved lives. We are also Seminoles today. We stand by to help in any way that we can. God bless you, and God bless Florida State University.”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office is responding to the situation and “will provide updates as they become available.” He added, “We are praying for the entire FSU community and our first responders.” He later confirmed “with a heavy heart” that the gunman had killed two people, adding, “Thank you to the brave men and women who ran toward danger to save and protect others. My office activated our (victims’) advocate services to provide support to all those affected by this senseless act of violence.”

“Praying for the safety of everyone at FSU and a swift recovery for those injured,” Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said on X shortly after news of the shooting broke. “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.”

The state’s junior Republican U.S. Senator, Ashley Moody, said her office has been in contact with FSU leadership about the “tragic reporting on FSU’s campus.”

“I am praying for the safety of the students, faculty, and all first responders involved,” she wrote.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor wrote, “I love FSU, the students, faculty, and the entire community. I (pray) that everyone is OK and for the brave first responders rushing to help.”

Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick advised people still on campus to observe emergency guidance.

“I am praying for the entire FSU community and the brave first responders on scene right now responding to this tragedy,” she said. “Our country cannot continue to accept gun violence as our new normal. Enough is enough.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart called the shooting “a horrific event,” adding, “I am grateful to the responders acting on the scene, and my thoughts are with the victims.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds urged FSU students to continue sheltering in place. “Police have responded to an active shooter call at the Student Union,” he said on X, where he shared a link for updates.

Republican U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn: “My team and I are monitoring reports of an active shooter on FSU’s campus. It’s too early to understand the extent of the violence, but early reports are very disturbing. Follow all local guidance. Shelter in place. Stay safe. Thank you to our brave first responders for responding to the situation.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack shared an official FSU statement and urged her followers on X to “listen to local officials and shelter in place. Praying for everyone’s safety.”

U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, a Brevard County Republican who unsuccessfully carried a bill in the Florida Legislature this year to allow concealed weapons on college campuses, wrote, “Praying for everyone @FloridaState.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez said, “My office is closely monitoring the tragic situation at FSU. Lourdes and I are praying for all those affected, as well as for the brave law enforcement officers responding to this crisis.”

Democratic U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel said her office has been following the situation and expressed gratitude for the first responders working to protect students, faculty and staff. “I’m keeping those injured and their families in my thoughts as we await more information,” she said.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost shared an FSU alert about the shooting. He later wrote, “Our nation’s students shouldn’t have to have the fear of being shot at school, or anywhere. I’m praying for the families and wounded, I’m acting so it never happens again. FSU, I’m so sorry our government has failed you.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos said he was also closely monitoring the situation. “My thoughts and prayers are with the entire FSU community as we hope for everyone’s safety,” he said.

Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna called the shooting “truly devastating,” writing, “Andy and I are praying for the families and victims of the horrific shooting at Florida State University. It is truly devastating.”

U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat, said he is monitoring the “horrible tragedy.”

“My thoughts are with those in the hospital, their families, and the FSU community during this time,” he said. “Students should be able to go to school without the threats of gun violence. This is why we passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School Safety Act.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s immediate past CFO, said he’s monitoring the situation. “Praying for our first responders responding to the scene and for those who are injured,” he said.

Republican U.S. Rep. John Rutherford wrote, “I am praying for the safety of all students and faculty at FSU, as well as the first responders on the scene. My thoughts and prayers are with those injured as we learn more.”

Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar wrote, “We are praying for the safety of everyone at FSU. Local law enforcement is currently addressing the situation.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster said his team, too, was closely monitoring the situation. “I’m praying for the safety of the students, faculty, and the brave law enforcement officers responding on scene,” he said.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson said she is also “praying for everyone’s safety as we continue to monitor this active threat.”

My heart goes out to everyone affected by the shooting at Florida State University,” she said. “Our places of learning should never be the target of violence — this should not be the reality on our campuses.”

Senate President Ben Albritton: “From our vantage point here in the Senate, we can see and hear many first responder vehicles rushing to FSU. Grateful for their courage. Praying for the entire FSU community.”

House Speaker Daniel Perez: “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.”

Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo said he was at FSU waiting for two of his office’s interns to be released from lockdown. “One suspect has been shot and captured. There are victims,” he wrote, sharing a link for those needing assistance.

State Sen. Bryan Ávila: “Praying for our FSU community and first responders.”

State Sen. Jason Brodeur: “We are praying for FSU and monitoring the situation as it evolves. Our hearts ache for the victims of this senseless tragedy.”

State Sen. Jay Collins: “Praying for our Noles.”

State Sen. Tracie Davis: “I am heartbroken to see another shooting on one of our Florida university campuses. My prayers are with all of the students and faculty at Florida State University, the victims, their loved ones, and our first responders. It has been barely a decade since the last mass shooting at FSU’s campus — just a mile down the road from where the Florida Legislature is pushing rollbacks on protections, and dangerous attempts to lower the age to purchase firearms. Our communities deserve safety and action.”

State Sen. Ileana Garcia: “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the students of FSU during this difficult time.”

State Sen. Shevrin Jones: “My heart breaks for everyone impacted by the horrific shooting at FSU, and our team stands in solidarity with the families, victims, first responders, and broader Tallahassee community. But ‘thoughts and prayers’ aren’t enough. Our country’s students and educators should not live in fear of being shot at school, and yet, thanks to politicians who are beholden to the gun lobby, we once again are forced to experience this trauma. Some of the students who survived the Parkland shooting in 2018 are current students at FSU — when will our leaders be willing to stand up and stop the gun violence epidemic? When will those who obstruct solutions decide to do the right thing and protect our kids and communities? It is shameful that government continues to fail us — Floridians and the American people deserve better.”

State Rep. Omar Blanco: “Praying for the safety of all FSU students, faculty, and staff as they face the terrifying reality of an active shooter situation. My deepest gratitude to the police officers, firefighters, and paramedics responding with courage and urgency. May God watch over everyone involved.”

State Rep. Mike Caruso: “Heartbreaking news out of FSU of the shooting this afternoon. Sadly, 1 student killed 4 injured and hospitalized. Our prayers are with them. Thank you to law enforcement for arriving on the scene and saving our students.”

State Rep. Kevin Chambliss: “Our Prayers are with the FSU students, faculty, and families.”

State Rep. Dan Daley: “Still getting information about the incident at FSU. Please stay safe. Thinking of all those impacted.” He added later, “One of the downsides of social media is the complete proliferation of misinformation — in all cases — but most certainly as we hear news from FSU, please don’t speculate and only share information from reputable sources.”

State Rep. Anna Eskamani: “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.”

State Rep. Tom Fabricio: “My prayers are with the entire @FloridaState community as they face this terrifying situation. I am grateful for the bravery of the law enforcement officers and first responders who are acting swiftly to protect lives. Stay strong, Tallahassee.”

State Rep. Franklin Gallop: “As we actively monitor the tragic situation unfolding at Florida State University regarding the mass shooting at the school, our deepest concerns are with the victims of this senseless act and their families. I am sincerely grateful for the quick reaction of first responders to the situation. This is a time of great concern, worry, and anguish for the FSU community and all of Tallahassee and Leon County.”

“I stand with our students, educators, families, and neighbors during this time of uncertainty and grief. Schools, colleges, and universities must be places of learning and safety—not fear. Once we have the full details of this heinous attack, we must act with purpose and urgency to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.”

State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky: “My heart goes out to everyone at FSU and their loved ones. Please continue to follow law enforcement instructions. Heartbreaking that more people and families are impacted by another shooting, which will traumatize them forever.”

State Rep. Berny Jacques: “Praying for those impacted by the tragic shooting at FSU. May the Lord comfort you and may justice be done. If you are a constituent and have not heard from a loved one at FSU. Please use my office as a resource: 850-717-5059 Special thanks to our law enforcement, first responders, and medical personnel. God bless you.”

State Rep. Dotie Joseph: “FSU shooting: Six injured, one critically; man arrested; campus locked down.”

State Rep. Chip LaMarca: “FSU UPDATE: We are in The Capitol, tuned in to local news and getting updates from the Florida Capitol Police. The update from campus is that there are 4 injured at Tallahassee Memorial Health being cared for. Please pray for the students and faculty at FSU.”

State Rep. Vicki Lopez: “As we confront an active shooter on the campus of FSU, I am praying for the students and their families, especially those students who have been injured.”

State Rep. Angie Nixon: “Everyone be safe in Tallahassee right now. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims that have been injured during the shooting at FSU.”

State Rep. Juan Porras: “Praying for the safety of all of our students and faculty at FSU.”

State Rep. Michelle Rayner: “As an alumna of Florida State University and a current member of the Florida Legislature, I am heartbroken and deeply troubled by the tragic events that unfolded on FSU’s campus. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrific act and their loved ones. I am profoundly grateful to the first responders whose swift and courageous actions undoubtedly saved lives and brought a measure of calm amid the chaos.

This is a moment of deep sorrow for the FSU community, for Tallahassee, and for all of Leon County. As someone who walked those same halls and shared in the traditions of that proud university, I stand in solidarity with our students, faculty, staff, and families as they face this unthinkable trauma. Our schools, colleges, and universities must be sanctuaries of safety and learning — not places marked by fear and violence. Once we have all the facts, we must respond with urgency and resolve to ensure that no community in Florida has to endure a tragedy like this again.”

State Rep. Allison Tant: “We are ALL FSU today.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava: “My heart goes out to the FSU and Tallahassee communities as the news unfolds on today’s active shooting. We are thinking of all the students and staff facing the unimaginable fear and pain of violence. We continue to pray for those who were injured and for our first responders.”

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch: “Our hearts are with @FloridaState and the Tallahassee community as they respond to reports of an active shooter situation on campus. We are united in our concern for the students, faculty, staff, families, and first responders affected by this tragic event. St. Petersburg stands with FSU.”

Miami-Dade County Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez, a former state Representative: “Our Prayers are with the FSU students, faculty, and families.”

Sweetwater Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz, a past Miami-Dade County Commission Chair: “Our thoughts and prayers are with a community of students who have endured unwarranted violence and tragedy on what would have been a normal day of classes. Let us pray with their families, friends, and loved ones who are within our very own community and beyond.”

Miami Lakes Mayor Josh Dieguez: “Learning now of the shooting at FSU — a school special to many Miami Lakers who either attended or have family members enrolled there. I ask the Miami Lakes community to keep the families of those affected and law enforcement in our thoughts and prayers at this time.”

Former U.S. Rep Matt Gaetz: “We are so concerned for the Noles who are hurting today. Ginger and I are praying for the entire FSU family following today’s tragic shooting. We are deeply proud of the brave law enforcement and first responders who provided care and safety.”

Florida International University President Jeanette Nuñez, Florida’s immediate past Lieutenant Governor: “Florida International University stands with Florida State University during this difficult time. We will support FSU through this tragedy.”

Former Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls: “We are praying for the entire FSU community and their families.”

Former Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book: “My heart is with the Florida State University community following today’s tragic and deadly shooting. No student or educator should ever fear for their safety on campus. I am deeply grateful for the quick response of our brave first responders, and my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this senseless act.”

The Florida Democratic Party said, “We are closely monitoring the active shooter situation at FSU and urge all students, faculty and staff to remain vigilant and follow directions from law enforcement on campus. We are praying for the safety of the entire FSU community right now.”

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This is a developing story and will be updated.