We’ve become all too accustomed to the horror of school shootings. From elementary schools to sprawling university campuses, the question is no longer if an incident will happen—but when. And while the public may feel helpless, those responsible for campus safety—law enforcement, administrators, and emergency managers—must remain vigilant. The recent shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in April 2024 serves as a critical reminder: emergency planning, training, and continuous assessment save lives.
Despite the heartbreak of loss, the FSU incident also demonstrated what effective planning and response can look like. With zero student fatalities and a law enforcement response time under two minutes, it’s clear that some things were done right. However, it also exposed vulnerabilities that must be addressed and security measures that must be enhanced before the next crisis.
What Went Right During FSU Shooting Response
- Immediate Emergency Alerts: FSU’s emergency notification system “FSU Alert” functioned as intended. Students and faculty received immediate alerts via text, email, and app notifications, allowing them to take action without delay.
- Students Knew What to Do: Thanks to previous lockdown drills and awareness campaigns, students across campus initiated “lockdown protocols.” Many took protective actions: securing themselves in classrooms, staying quiet, and moving away from doors and windows.
- Law Enforcement Responded Rapidly: FSU campus police arrived on scene less than two minutes after the first 911 call—a response time that is among the best in the nation. Their swift, decisive action stopped the attacker before he could cause further harm.
- No Student Fatalities: While the shooting was tragic, no students were killed—a testament to both preparedness and sheer luck. The response undoubtedly saved lives.
What Areas Need to Be Enhanced
- Casualties Near the Student Union: Two workers near the student union were killed, and five others injured. The victims were not in a locked space, raising questions about access control and communication reach during chaotic moments, including emergency notification in open air spaces.
- Gun Access: The 20-year-old suspect, an FSU student, used a firearm belonging to his stepmother—raising concerns about how easily dangerous individuals can access unsecured weapons in their homes. While beyond the campus’s direct control, it emphasizes the value of prevention efforts that extend beyond institutional walls.
- Door Locking Issues: Not all rooms on campus could be locked from the inside. This critical vulnerability, common at many higher education institutions, puts lives at risk during an active shooter incident.
Ongoing Challenges for Campus Security
Open Campus Design
Unlike K–12 schools, college campuses are inherently open. Students, faculty, visitors, and community members flow freely through public spaces—libraries, dining halls, student centers—making a total lockdown extremely difficult…