Gunman Dead, 3 Wounded in Florida State University Shooting [UPDATED]

[UPDATE: Gunman has been identified as an FSU alumnus and local attorney, name not yet released.]

The gunman in a Florida State University school shooting was been killed by Tallahassee police and at least three students were wounded in a late night scene of violence and chaos.

Just after midnight, a gunman opened fire at the Strozier Library on FSU’s main university campus where students were studying for exams before heading home for the Thanksgiving holiday. The scene erupted as people began to yell about the school shooting and run for cover. At least three students were injured before police could respond. Frightened students tried to find cover in corners and behind shelves, many texting or calling their loved ones not knowing if they would make it through the night.

When Tallahassee police officers arrived on the scene they confronted the gunman who reportedly opened fire on the officers. According to a spokesman for the Tallahassee police department, “They returned fire and the suspect was killed” bringing an end to the latest incident of school shootings.

At least one of the students was reported to be in critical condition at the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and the other two received less serious injuries. So far it is yet unclear as to whether or not the shooter was actually a student at Florida State University or what the motive for the school shooting was, although witnesses say that he was targeting the students in the library it is not yet clear whether victims were chosen at random or what triggered the violence.

All classes have been canceled for the day at FSU and University President John Thrasher has said that they are making counseling services available for all students and staff of the University to help them to “make sense of what is a senseless incident.” He also expressed his gratitude for the quick response of local law enforcement and added his concern for those affected saying “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loves ones of all those who have been affected.”

This is the latest a frightening time line of school shootings that have been haunting the United States in recent years including the deadly shooting at Marysville Pilchuck High School where two students were killed just last month. School shootings such as these have been at the forefront of a growing debate on gun violence in the United States since the horrifying shooting that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School two years ago that rocked the nation with the death of 20 first grade children.

The identity of the gunman involved in the FSU school shooting has not yet been released pending an ongoing investigation into the incident.

[Image: NBC News Video]