Tallahassee, FL — A routine campus tour at Florida State University turned into a harrowing ordeal Friday when an announcement of an active shooter put visitors and students on high alert. Among the visitors was Kylie Byun, a high school senior from Virginia, who had just celebrated her admission to the university.
Byun, along with her parents and a group of potential incoming students, had transitioned from the student union to an auditorium for a panel discussion when they were abruptly informed of the possible threat. Approximately 80 to 100 individuals were present, primarily prospective students and their families, gathered for what was supposed to be an informative session about their future at the university.
The situation escalated when the group’s facilitator confirmed the threat and secured the auditorium. Byun described the group as being locked in a windowless room, adhering to a strict shelter-in-place protocol for about two hours.
Despite the potential danger, Byun and others remained relatively calm, a demeanor she attributes to the active shooter drills she’s participated in since elementary school. She explains these drills, which once seemed trivial, provided her with the poise needed to handle the situation.
The ordeal not only tested the emergency protocols of FSU but also left a lasting impression on the visitors, especially those considering the university as their future alma mater. Byun noted the efficiency and security she felt during the incident reassured her decision to attend FSU, where she plans to pursue a degree in biology.
As the incident unfolded, FSU authorities and campus security worked diligently to manage the situation and ensure the safety of all persons on campus. Their swift response included extensive communication with those sheltered in place, providing regular updates and instructions.
Reflecting on the event, Byun expressed her empathy for those impacted by the day’s distressing events but remained appreciative of the university’s handling of the incident. Her stepfather, Matt Gilchrist, echoed her sentiment, noting the calm and professional manner in which the situation was managed.
Byun’s experience underscores the reality many students face today—a landscape where preparation for potential campus threats is as much a part of education as academics. For Byun and her peers, the real-life application of their emergency training offered a moment of reflection on the value of preparedness.
As FSU continues to review and refine its emergency procedures, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges that can arise in any educational setting. However, the composed response by both the university’s administration and its future students hints at a resilient community ready to support each other in times of crisis.