The shots rang out alarmingly close to UF’s main HR building, prompting immediate evacuation procedures. University officials took serious measures to ensure everyone’s safety amidst the chaos. Even as the shock of the situation settled, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the suspect was isolated to a single apartment, with SWAT Teams and Hostage Negotiators deployed on the scene—well aware of the potential peril involved.
Nearby residents were hastily evacuated, and the area was secured to contain any threat the armed suspect posed—a dire necessity to protect innocent lives. As a result, West University Avenue was closed off to traffic, restricting movement between 8th Street and 10th Street. After consultations, the university announced that the HR building would remain closed for the day, yet normal activities could cautiously resume elsewhere on campus, a small mercy in troubling times.
