Florida State University Shooting: Suspect in Custody After Attack Leaves Six Injured, One Critically, Names of Victims Revealed
A tragic shooting unfolded at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on Tuesday, April 17, 2025, leaving six people injured, one of whom is in critical condition. Authorities have since confirmed that the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Adam Lee Jones, is now in custody after an extensive response from law enforcement agencies.
The incident took place near the FSU Student Union, sparking widespread panic and prompting an immediate lockdown on campus. Students, faculty, and staff were urged to seek shelter and avoid the area as police swarmed to the scene in response to the active shooter situation.
Victims Identified
The victims of the attack have been identified as:
- Sophia Garcia, a 21-year-old senior majoring in Sociology,
- Matthew Collins, a 20-year-old sophomore in Engineering,
- Jessica Lee, a 22-year-old graduate student in Psychology,
- Dylan Shaw, a 19-year-old freshman majoring in Biology,
- Sarah Bryant, a 23-year-old senior in Business Administration,
- John Davis, a 24-year-old staff member in FSU’s IT department.
Details regarding their conditions have been confirmed through university officials and local law enforcement. Sophia Garcia and Matthew Collins were among the most critically injured, with Sophia undergoing surgery at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Meanwhile, Sarah Bryant and John Davis remain in stable condition following the shooting, and Jessica Lee and Dylan Shaw were discharged after receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Attack and Law Enforcement Response
According to law enforcement officials, the attack began just after 11:00 AM near the FSU Student Union, a central location on the campus, often bustling with students. Police and emergency responders arrived on the scene within minutes of the first reports. Video footage that emerged soon after the incident showed chaotic scenes as emergency personnel tended to victims in the area, with one individual visibly injured lying outside the building. The campus was immediately placed under lockdown, and an emergency alert was sent out to students advising them to secure themselves indoors and remain away from windows.
“Police are on scene or on the way. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures,” the FSU alert stated, urging everyone to follow the instructions until further notice.
Law enforcement swiftly contained the situation, and the suspect, later identified as Adam Lee Jones, was apprehended near the scene of the shooting. At the time of his arrest, he was found to be in possession of a handgun, with additional firearms located both inside the Student Union and in his vehicle.
Suspect’s Background and Motive
Jones, a former FSU student who had been expelled earlier that semester for unknown reasons, was apprehended without further incident. He has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and possession of illegal firearms. Authorities have yet to determine the motive for the shooting, though early investigations suggest that Jones may have been targeting specific individuals at the university.
A witness who was in the vicinity of the Student Union when the shooting occurred stated, “He just started shooting, and people were running everywhere. It was terrifying, honestly. I didn’t know who was safe and who wasn’t.”
At the time of his arrest, Jones reportedly attempted to flee on foot but was subdued by law enforcement officers who had already responded to the campus lockdown. After he was taken into custody, police discovered a shotgun inside the Student Union, leading investigators to believe Jones had planned the attack for some time.
Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are now involved in the investigation, and additional updates are expected in the coming days.
FSU’s Response and Campus Impact
In the aftermath of the shooting, FSU canceled all classes and campus events for the remainder of the day. The university also instructed students and staff not to return to campus until further notice. “The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority, and we are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to keep everyone safe,” said Dr. Richard McCullough, President of Florida State University, in a statement.
While many students were initially worried about potential additional threats, FSU’s swift communication helped alleviate some of the panic. An alert system sent messages directly to students’ phones and emails, updating them on the situation as it unfolded.
“We’ve been locked down for hours now,” said one student who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s scary. We’re just waiting to hear when it’s safe to leave. No one really knows what’s happening, and everyone’s worried.”
The university has also pledged to provide counseling services to students and faculty impacted by the traumatic events. FSU’s Counseling Center has announced extended hours to accommodate those in need of emotional support.
Community Response and Solidarity
The Tallahassee community has come together in the wake of the tragedy, with local churches and organizations offering support for those affected. The tragic events at FSU have prompted a wave of solidarity across the state, with people expressing their concern for the victims and their families.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis released a statement early Tuesday afternoon, offering condolences to the families of the victims. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrific incident and their families. The state of Florida will support FSU and its community as they recover from this traumatic event,” DeSantis said.
Several student organizations have also mobilized to provide resources for victims and their families. A vigil has been scheduled for Wednesday evening at the university, where students and community members can come together to mourn the lives affected by the violence.
Gun Control and Public Safety Debate
As the investigation unfolds, the shooting has sparked a renewed debate over gun control laws in Florida and across the United States. Critics argue that stricter regulations are needed to prevent such attacks, while others point to the importance of addressing mental health issues and campus security measures.
Florida has long been known for its permissive gun laws, and the state’s laws allow individuals to carry concealed weapons on university campuses with the appropriate licenses. While this case is still under investigation, many are questioning whether the laws need to be reexamined, especially in light of the growing number of campus shootings across the country.
In an interview with local news, gun control advocate Maria Hernandez stated, “We have to address the root causes of violence, including easier access to firearms and mental health support. This tragedy could have been prevented with better regulations.”
On the other hand, Second Amendment supporters have reiterated the importance of the right to bear arms. A spokesperson for the Florida Gun Owners Association remarked, “It is vital that we uphold the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens while also ensuring that law enforcement has the necessary tools to prevent violence.”
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Measures
As local and federal law enforcement agencies continue their investigation into the Florida State University shooting, authorities have emphasized the importance of community cooperation. “If anyone has information about the events leading up to this shooting or any knowledge of the suspect, we urge you to come forward and help us with our investigation,” said Sheriff Bob Johnson of Leon County.
The FBI has launched a dedicated tip line and is working with local authorities to piece together the details of the incident. While law enforcement agencies have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests or charges, they remain focused on uncovering the full extent of the shooting and any potential links to broader threats.
For the FSU community, the road to recovery is just beginning. The university has promised to provide ongoing support for the victims and their families as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating attack. In the coming weeks, it is likely that campus security measures will be reexamined and updated, as universities across the nation grapple with the threat of campus violence.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing colleges and universities in the United States as they work to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff. While the shooting has ended, the scars left on the FSU community will undoubtedly last for years to come, prompting difficult questions about how to prevent future acts of violence on campuses across the country.
