I want to preface this by saying that I am not a Florida State University student, but I have many friends who are. All shootings are tragic and devastating, but the one that took place on April 17 hit so close to home that it has shaken me and left me heartbroken like no other.
I’ve walked around the FSU-Tallahassee campus, even dreamt of going there. I’ve laughed with friends in those halls, wandered the streets of Tallahassee, and met so many wonderful people who go to that school. In many ways, this hits closer to home than the shooting in Moultrie, my hometown, several years ago.
I cannot express how sorry I am to anyone who had to fear for their lives that day. I’m sorry for anyone who had to fear for the lives of their loved ones that day. I’m sorry for anyone who lost someone—be them a friend, classmate, or even just a fellow student they passed in the hall. Their lives matter…