Florida State Cancels Sports After Deadly Campus Shooting

Florida State Cancels Sports After Deadly Campus Shooting \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Florida State University has canceled all home athletic events through the weekend after a tragic campus shooting left two dead and at least six injured. Authorities say the shooter was a student who used a former deputy’s weapon. The cancellations include football, baseball, and softball events.

Quick Looks

• FSU cancels all home athletic events through Sunday after campus shooting.
• Two people were killed and at least six others were injured in the attack.
• The shooter, believed to be an FSU student, used a former deputy’s weapon.
• Final spring football practices and a key baseball series vs. Virginia canceled.
• Softball series against Georgia Tech also called off.
• Women’s golf, track, and men’s tennis events continue off-campus as scheduled.
• Campus classes are canceled through Friday.
• Shelter-in-place alerts were issued during the active shooter situation.
• FSU community and athletic department express shock and grief.
• Investigation ongoing with state and local law enforcement involved.

Deep Look

Florida State University has suspended all home athletic events through Sunday following a deadly shooting on campus Thursday that left two individuals dead and at least six more injured. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Tallahassee campus and prompted swift action from university leaders.

According to Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower, the suspect in the shooting is believed to be a student at the university. Authorities said the shooter used a firearm previously issued to his father, a former sheriff’s deputy. The victims who died were not enrolled at FSU.

The university issued an emergency alert around noon Eastern Time, warning students and faculty of an active shooter near the student union. Campus buildings went into lockdown as law enforcement swarmed the area. Classes were immediately canceled for the remainder of Thursday and all day Friday.

As part of its campus-wide response, FSU announced the suspension of all athletic events scheduled for the remainder of the week. This includes the Seminoles’ final spring football practices, a home baseball series against Virginia, and a softball matchup with Georgia Tech.

“Out of respect for those affected and to allow our community time to grieve and heal, we have made the decision to suspend all home athletic events through the weekend,” the university said in a statement.

Athletics Impacted by the Cancellations

• Football: FSU’s final spring practices were slated for this weekend as part of preparations for the fall season. These have now been canceled without indication of rescheduling.
• Baseball: The Seminoles were set to host a critical three-game ACC series against the University of Virginia at Dick Howser Stadium.
• Softball: FSU’s softball team was to face Georgia Tech in a home series that will now not take place.

Despite the widespread suspensions, some of FSU’s athletic teams are continuing to compete in off-campus or out-of-state events as scheduled:

• The women’s golf team is currently participating in the ACC Championship in North Carolina.
• The women’s track team is competing at the Tom Jones Invitational in Gainesville, Florida.
• The men’s tennis team traveled to Louisville and played their scheduled match Thursday evening.

University leaders emphasized that decisions regarding travel-based athletic events would be left to the respective programs, taking into account safety, emotional readiness, and support services.

Campus Reaction and Investigation

The shooting has rocked the FSU community and raised questions about campus safety and mental health support. In the hours after the shooting, students and staff gathered outside university buildings, some in shock and others searching for loved ones or waiting for updates.

University President Richard McCullough released a statement late Thursday expressing sorrow and urging unity. “This is a devastating day for our university,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and to everyone in our community affected by this senseless act of violence.”

Law enforcement has not yet released the identities of the victims or the shooter. Authorities confirmed the weapon used belonged to the suspect’s father, a former sheriff’s deputy, but did not elaborate on how the suspect accessed the firearm.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Tallahassee Police Department, and campus security are all involved in the ongoing investigation.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation continues and the university begins its recovery process, FSU leaders say student mental health resources have been expanded and additional counseling will be made available throughout the weekend.

No announcements have been made yet regarding the rescheduling of any canceled games or practices. The university is expected to provide further updates early next week.

The campus, still reeling from tragedy, is now focused on supporting victims, ensuring safety, and beginning the slow path to healing.

More on Sports

Florida State Cancels Florida State Cancels