Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis presented members of the Florida State University Police Department with the Governor’s Medal of Heroism Wednesday morning in honor of their bravery during the campus shooting that took place at the Student Union earlier this month.  

FSUPD officers quickly responded to the April 17 shooting, neutralizing the threat in just over two minutes. 

“I am immensely proud of the men and women of FSUPD,” FSUPD Chief Jason Trumbower said. “We are honored and humbled that Gov. DeSantis acknowledged our courageous officers today. This recognition is entirely about them.” 

Gov. DeSantis posted the recognition on Facebook.

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Thousands of Florida State University students, faculty and staff gathered under a hot April sun for the opening of the Student Union on Monday, following the tragic events of April 17.   

Many came to honor the victims, support one another and reclaim a space that means so much to the FSU community. The day was made possible in part thanks to hundreds of caring university and Aramark employees and volunteers, including students.  

The Rev. Michael Fegins of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee opened the event and offered words of comfort.  

FSU President Richard McCullough and Provost Jim Clark addressed the crowd from a stage set up at the Union’s Legacy Walk entrance.

The post ‘This is how we heal’: FSU returns to Student Union with reflection and resolve appeared first on Florida State University News.

Dear FSU Family,

In the wake of the tragic events on April 17, I find myself reflecting on that terrible day and the needs of our community.

Our loss is immeasurable, yet amid the sorrow, we have witnessed the incredible solidarity and support from students, faculty, staff, and friends. This sense of unity is a testament to the unconquered spirit of Florida State University.

After careful consideration and listening to our students, we have decided to reopen the Student Union from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 28. Please join us for a moment of reflection at 3 p.m. prior to the Union opening. This was not an easy decision, and I know some may disagree with it.

I have spoken with numerous students across all classes. Our seniors, in particular, expressed a strong desire for the Union to be open for their last week at Florida State University.

We understand the importance of the Student Union as a hub for connection, support, learning, and growth. It is crucial that we continue to offer students the services, opportunities, and communal space that foster their development and well-being. We want to provide the maximum number of choices for our community to decide when they want to be in the Student Union.

The opening will be conducted with the utmost respect and care for those affected. No employees or volunteers will be required to be present or will be required to return to the Student Union until they are ready.   

More information for employees who work in the Student Union is forthcoming. We are committed to providing a space where individuals are honored, and where the needs of the majority are balanced with sensitivity toward individual experiences.

Those who are ready to return are invited to join us at the Student Union on Monday. Those who don’t feel comfortable can return when they are ready. Everyone will heal at their own pace and feel differently about being in that space. We will announce additional operating hours this week.

We are considering the needs of the entire student body and campus community as we take this step forward.

Together, we will continue to reflect, heal, and move forward. We are Florida State.

Sincerely,

Richard McCullough
FSU President

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Dear FSU Family,

Next week, we’ll come together to celebrate commencement, one of the most joyful traditions in university life.

It’s a time to recognize the hard work and perseverance of our graduates and to look ahead with pride and hope. We’ll award the most degrees in Florida State University’s history. That’s a milestone worth celebrating — for our students, their families, and everyone who helped them get here.

But this year, we’ll also take time to reflect.

Each ceremony, including Panama City’s, will begin with a moment of silence to honor Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, whose lives were lost in the violence that shook the Tallahassee campus just days ago. We will also reflect on those still recovering from their injuries and the strength they’ve demonstrated. And we’ll acknowledge the courage and kindness we’ve witnessed since — a reflection of the best of Florida State.

We’ve taken steps to increase security at all commencement events. You’ll see additional police and support personnel to help ensure a safe and supportive environment.

These ceremonies will be a powerful reminder of what we share as a community: strength, compassion, and hope for the future. I look forward to celebrating with you to mark this important moment.

For more details about the ceremonies, including schedules and livestream links, please visit commencement.fsu.edu.

Thank you for all you’ve done — and continue to do — to lift each other up.

Sincerely,

Richard McCullough
FSU President

To access important resources and updates related to active response efforts, visit response.fsu.edu.

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7:42 p.m. April 19, 2025

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff: 

We understand this is a difficult time for everyone. We have been working through a number of complex and challenging issues over the past few days. We appreciate your patience. We are now announcing new options for the end of the semester. 

We want everyone to receive the support and help they need. For some students that may mean not going back into the classroom. For others, the idea of community and gathering, as well as the opportunity to focus on academics, may be beneficial. There is no single right answer for everyone. 

While we will resume classes as scheduled on Monday, April 21, we are providing students and instructors with new options. For example, a remote option is probable for many courses; however, there will be classes where it might not make sense (e.g. lab classes). Information about any additional options for your specific class section will be provided by your instructor by Monday evening. 

Students: If you decide not to attend classes this week, we understand. The university has waived all mandatory attendance policies that affect your grade. A letter of support from Case Management is not required. Absences will be excused by the university. If you decide not to attend classes, please contact your instructor about how to complete any required coursework. Students who feel they cannot complete a course at this time will have the option to request an incomplete grade. 

Faculty and instructors: A separate email with additional guidance with be forthcoming from the provost. Please review your course materials and provide your students the options appropriate for your class as soon as possible, ideally before the next class meeting, but no later than Monday evening. If your class is going to be delivered remotely, be sure to post that information as soon as possible, through email and your Canvas course site. Please update your gradebooks as soon as possible to provide students with the current grade they have in the course.  

Students, please reach out to your instructors next week if you have any questions. Following discussions with your instructors, if you have circumstances not accommodated, please reach out to the Department of Student Support and Transitions at DSST@fsu.edu or call 850-644-2428. We will do everything possible to accommodate your needs. 

Thank you again for your patience as we work through this difficult and challenging time together. 

Sincerely, 

Richard McCullough
President  

The post IMPORTANT AND NEW UPDATE FOR FSU STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF ON THE TALLAHASSEE CAMPUS  appeared first on Florida State University News.

Dear FSU Family,

Our hearts are heavy after the tragedy that took place April 17. We are grieving with the families and friends who lost someone they love. And we are with all those who were injured and are now recovering. This has shaken all of us, and I want you to know: We are here for you.

Classes and business operations will resume Monday, April 21. I know it won’t feel like a normal week. It’s the last one before finals, and many of you are still processing what happened. Please take care of yourself. If you need time or support, reach out. Students should contact their instructors for help with classwork or accommodation. Faculty and staff should connect with their dean or supervisor.

No one should go through this alone. Support is here:

• Students who need mental health support should reach out to our Counseling & Psychological Services team at (850) 644-TALK (8255).
• In addition, the Victim Advocate Program provides free, confidential, and compassionate assistance to FSU students. Call 24/7 (850) 644-7161, text (850) 756-4320 or email Victims-Advocate@fsu.edu.
• Employees who need assistance should contact EAP at (850) 644-2288 for free, professional counseling services.
  We will get through this by leaning on each other. FSU is strong because of its people — and I believe in this community with all my heart.

Sincerely,

Richard McCullough
President

Visit response.fsu.edu for more campus resources and ways to help.

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WATCH THE ENTIRE VIGIL | PHOTO GALLERY

Thousands of Florida State University students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered on Friday at Langford Green in a powerful display of solidarity to remember the two lives lost and the six others injured in the shooting at the Student Union on Thursday.

The Gathering of Unity vigil provided a space for the FSU family to come together to offer support and comfort to one another in the wake of the tragedy.

President Richard McCullough, Senior Vice President Kyle Clark, FSU Trustee and Student Body President Carson Dale, Director of Counseling and

Psychological Services Carlos Gomez, and Pastor Jay Winters of the Interfaith Council shared words of support and encouragement, while attendees left flowers, candles, and other mementos as heartfelt tributes.

The post FSU community comes together during Gathering of Unity Vigil appeared first on Florida State University News.

Dear FSU community,

Today, we experienced a tragic and senseless act of violence at the heart of our campus.

At lunchtime, an active shooter opened fire at the Student Union. Two were killed. Six others were injured.

We are heartbroken. We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were lost. We are holding close those who are injured, and we are standing by everyone who is hurting.

I’ve been in constant contact with our law enforcement and emergency teams since the incident began. The FSU Police Department, along with the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Highway Patrol, responded immediately and decisively. FSU Police contained the threat and prevented even greater tragedy. I am grateful for their courage and professionalism.

Right now, our focus is on taking care of people. That means the victims and their families. It means students, faculty, and staff who were nearby and are now trying to make sense of what they experienced. And it means every person in our campus community who is feeling shaken or overwhelmed.

We are working closely with our leadership, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to ensure that everyone has the support they need. If you’re struggling, please reach out to our Counseling & Psychological Services team at (850) 644-TALK (8255). You are not alone.

There will be more updates in the days ahead, and more time to reflect and heal. But now, we mourn together. We lean on one another. And we remember who we are.

We are Florida State. We are family. And we stand together.

Sincerely,

Richard McCullough
President

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