TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Florida State University Chief of Police reflected on the day a shooter killed two people and injured six others on FSU’s campus one year ago today.
Jason Trumbower said his officers and the law enforcement partners who also responded followed their training to a T.
“I do remember thinking in the moment that we are prepared for this. I do think our training kicked in and I couldn’t be more proud of the brave men and women of the FSU Police Department and how they responded that day,” Trumbower said.
In body cam footage, obtained by WCTV earlier this month, Officer Cody Poppell is seen shooting the suspected FSU gunman last April.
The FSUPD Chief said they saved lives that day but admits an active shooter is the last thing any officer wants.
“It was a tough day. It was an emotional day. Anytime you get a call of an active assailant, it’s every Chief of Police and any law enforcement officer’s worst nightmare come true,” the chief said.
The chief said they’ve installed active-assailant buttons and enhanced locking hardware in every classroom on campus.
He knows parents may still worry when they send students to campus, but in his interview with WCTV, Trumbower remained confident his campus is safe.
“I’m a law enforcement professional, but I’m also a parent of two teenagers. So I get that, and I get the emotions of that, and I would assure them that, you know, again, we’re prepared, we train, and it’s not if, it’s when. Unfortunately, it’s 2026. So our officers are prepared,” the police chief said.
He continued that the team and Florida State University “really came together” and supported one another, showing what makes the Tallahassee community different.
The chief said that once FSU reopened, they have not looked back.
“It’s been business as usual, and again, that’s how we wanted it. We want people to feel safe and secure, and it’s been that way ever since.”
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