The Florida State University (FSU) shooting on November 20, 2014, remains a significant and tragic event in the history of campus violence in the United States. The incident unfolded at Strozier Library, a central hub on the FSU campus in Tallahassee, Florida, and resulted in the death of the gunman and injuries to three individuals.
The Shooter: Myron May
The gunman, later identified as Myron May, was a 31-year-old former FSU student who had graduated in 2005. He had recently returned to Tallahassee from Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he had been living and practicing law. Reports indicated that May had been experiencing mental health issues, with his ex-girlfriend reporting that he believed he was being surveilled and harassed by law enforcement. Despite these concerns, he had no known criminal record and was licensed to practice law in Texas and New Mexico.
CBS News
The Attack
On the night of November 20, 2014, May entered Strozier Library and opened fire, injuring three people. FSU Police and Tallahassee Police responded swiftly, and May was fatally shot outside the library. The victims included Nathan Scott, a library employee, who was shot in the leg but survived. The other two victims’ identities were not immediately released.
In the aftermath, it was revealed that May had been carrying journals and videos expressing his fear of being targeted and his desire to bring attention to his situation. Authorities noted that there was no evidence suggesting the victims were specifically targeted.
Legal Actions and Aftermath
Farhan “Ronny” Ahmed, a student who was paralyzed during the shooting, filed a lawsuit against FSU, alleging inadequate security measures. The lawsuit claimed that the university failed to provide sufficient security personnel and did not implement adequate policies to prevent such an incident.
Wikipedia
In the years following the shooting, FSU held vigils and provided counseling services to support the campus community. University President John Thrasher praised the quick response of law enforcement and emphasized the strength and unity of the FSU community in the face of tragedy.
Florida State University News
Broader Implications
The Strozier Library shooting highlighted the challenges universities face in addressing mental health issues and ensuring campus safety. It also underscored the importance of timely intervention and support for individuals exhibiting signs of mental distress. The incident prompted discussions about the need for improved security measures and better communication between law enforcement and educational institutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
CBS News
The FSU shooting serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of untreated mental health issues and the critical need for vigilance and support within campus communities. It also emphasizes the importance of creating environments where students and staff feel safe and supported, and where early signs of distress are addressed promptly and effectively.
