A developing tragedy reminds us of the brokenness in our world—and the hope we must hold onto.
TALLAHASSEE, FL — In a devastating scene that unfolded Thursday at Florida State University in Tallahassee.
The university issued an alert at 12:01 p.m. ET, telling students to “seek shelter and await further instructions” as an active shooter was “reported in the area of Student Union.” A suspect is in custody, and police are making sure there are no additional shooters, ABC News reported. At 1:04 p.m. ET, FSU sent another alert to students, instructing them to “continue to shelter in place,” adding that “law enforcement is actively clearing rooms on the main campus.”
Law enforcement confirmed the incident took place just before midnight. One person died at the scene, and three others were rushed to local hospitals with gunshot wounds. Their conditions have not yet been released.
Police say they have detained at least one suspect in connection to the shooting. The motive and full details remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing. As of now, there is no confirmed active threat to the community, though authorities remain vigilant.
A Larger Conversation We Can’t Avoid
Every time one of these tragic events happens, we feel the same gut punch. It’s more than just news. It’s lives altered in an instant. It’s parents getting calls they never imagined. It’s students whose sense of safety is shattered. And yes, it’s another reminder that we live in a world crying out for redemption.
But here’s the hard truth we can’t ignore: this isn’t a gun problem or a campus security problem—it’s a heart problem. Violence like this doesn’t come out of nowhere. It grows in the soil of spiritual confusion, fatherlessness, moral decay, and a culture that no longer values life as sacred.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” And that’s what we cling to today—for the victims, their families, and for a nation desperately in need of healing.
What Can We Do?
Pray: For the victims, their loved ones, first responders, and yes, even for the perpetrator. Only Jesus can change hearts.
Speak Up: We need bold voices calling out the root causes of violence—moral relativism, spiritual emptiness, and cultural rot.
Be Ready: As Christians, we must be the steady light in chaotic times, offering both truth and comfort.
This is a developing story. I’ll keep you updated as more details emerge.
In the meantime, let’s refuse to grow numb. Let’s stay awake, stay informed, and stay anchored in Christ.
