The peaceful yet stressful late-night study sessions for the upcoming final exams at Florida State University were disrupted by a horrifying display of violence after an unidentified gunman open fired inside of the Strozier Library. The shooting occurred in the very early morning hours shortly after 12 a.m. today, November 20th, in a library that was filled with at least 300 students.  As odd as it might be to say, "luckily," only three students suffered gunshot wounds.

One individual has been unfortunately listed in critical condition early this morning, while another is recovering in stable condition, and the third victim suffered only a grazing wound and was treated on the scene.  There was actually a fourth victim who was shot in his back; however, he had a guardian angel on his shoulders, as the bullet ripped through his backpack but was intercepted by a few books that he had just checked out of the library.

After the shots rang out, an alert text message was sent throughout the campus which read:

"*FSU ALERT!* Dangerous Situation! Main Campus – Tallahassee.  Seek shelter immediately, away from doors and windows."

Police were notified of the shooting around 12:30 a.m., and engaged the man in a firefight after he refused to lower his weapon.  The assailant was confronted by police as he stood on an access ramp just outside of the Strozier Library.  Instead of surrendering and dropping his weapon, the man allegedly opened fire on the police, which led to several officers returning fire and killing the gunman.  

According to Tallahassee Police spokesman Dave Northway, "The suspect did not comply with the commands and shot at the officers.  They returned fire and the suspect was killed."

Police believe that the gunman acted alone; however, they are still investigating his potential motives for the college campus assault, and have refused to reveal his identity at this time.  Classes have since been cancelled, as students, teachers, and their families have been left praying for those shot, especially the individual in critical condition.  

The news of the shooting has taken over Twitter, with many FSU students, and general social media users chiming in on the unfortunate event.  Many have called for strict action to be taken on the very lenient gun control laws that exist within the United States.  People have been listing all of the extremely tragic shootings that have occurred over the past few years, and believe that this should be the final straw that should cause the government to take action and implement various changes to the gun control laws.

Check out the many reactions above to the unfortunate FSU shooting.  Also, check out the video recorded by frightened students in the library shortly after the shooting occurred.

Source: Washington Post