The Diocese of Florida has issued a call to prayer following a mass shooting incident today at Florida State University in Tallahassee. At 12:02 pm, local time, FSU released an alert on X stating “An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measur[es]”
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare spokesperson Stephanie Derzypolski told the Tallahassee Democrat they had received six patients, one in critical condition and the rest in serious condition.
WFTV reported there were at least five dead and four injured in shooting. They reported there were two gunmen with one in custody and the other shot dead by police.
At 3:20 FSU reported “Law enforcement has neutralized the threat” and asked students and staff to avoid the student union and adjacent areas “as they are still considered an active crime scene. Individuals are free to move about other areas of campus. Individuals who may have witnessed anything of value should call” the police.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis posted a on X saying the state’s “prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding” to the scene of the shooting.
The Episcopal Diocese of Florida released a call to prayer stating: “Gracious God, our strength and consolation, be present with all students, faculty and staff that are part of the Florida State University community and their families. Dispatch your angels to any families whose loved ones have been affected; help them to feel your love and care even at this dark hour. Heal those who have been hospitalized through the care of skilled professionals and restore them to health. Bless the first responders and law enforcement officers who run towards danger on our behalf. And finally, we pray for the one who committed this violence that they would repent and live the rest of their days as your healing instrument, this we pray in the name of Jesus, Lord and friend.”
The Episcopal Chaplaincy was ready to assist students and staff traumatized by the incident, the diocese noted.
As of our going to press, no official statement has been released on the identities or motives of the suspects, or the names of those killed or injured.
Update: At a press conference held later Thursday afternoon, Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil reported two people were killed and six injured in the shooting. Phoenix Ikner, (20), an FSU student has been taken into custody.