8 Permanent Changes FSU Made After The Strozier Library Active Shooter Incident

The 2014 active shooter incident at Florida State University’s Strozier Library remains one of the most chilling events in the university's history, a moment that forever changed campus safety protocols. The tragedy, which occurred in the early hours of November 20, 2014, forced FSU and institutions across the state to drastically reevaluate their emergency response and security infrastructure.

Today, in December 2025, the shadow of that night still influences every security decision, leading to a host of permanent, multi-million dollar upgrades and training programs designed to prevent a recurrence and ensure the safety of the entire Florida State University community, from students studying late to faculty and staff. This article details the shooter's profile and the lasting, critical changes implemented in the aftermath.

The Shooter’s Profile: Who Was Myron May?

The man identified as the gunman in the Florida State University shooting was Myron May, a 31-year-old former attorney and FSU alumnus. His background provided a stark and confusing contrast to his final, violent actions.

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• Full Name: Myron May
• Age at Incident: 31
• Location of Incident: Robert M. Strozier Library, Florida State University (FSU) main campus, Tallahassee, Florida.
• Date of Incident: November 20, 2014
• Education: Graduated from Florida State University (FSU) in 2005. Attended Texas Tech Law School, graduating in 2009.
• Profession: Former attorney, licensed in Texas and New Mexico. May had recently moved back to Florida.
• Motive: Officials found no clear, traditional motive for the attack. However, journals and videos left behind by May indicated a severe mental health crisis. He expressed intense paranoia, believing he was being targeted and monitored by the government. Friends noted a sudden and rapid mental deterioration in the months leading up to the event.
• Weapon: A semi-automatic handgun.
• Casualties: May shot three people—two students and one university employee. All three survived, though two were hospitalized. Myron May was fatally shot by officers from the FSU Police Department (FSUPD) and the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) after he refused commands to drop his weapon outside the library.

The incident began around 12:30 a.m. when May entered the library, which was open 24 hours for students preparing for final exams. The rapid response by law enforcement, culminating in the confrontation outside the library, was credited with preventing a potentially far greater loss of life inside the crowded building.

8 Permanent Security and Protocol Enhancements at FSU

The Strozier Library shooting served as a painful and immediate catalyst for a statewide review of campus safety, particularly at public universities. Florida State University, in partnership with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) and state officials, implemented a series of "significant enhancements" that have fundamentally reshaped campus security.

1. Mandatory 'Run, Hide, Fight' Training

The university formalized and mandated "Run, Hide, Fight" training for all students, faculty, and staff. This protocol, now a standard in active shooter preparedness, teaches individuals to evacuate a scene, seek secure shelter, or, as a last resort, confront the attacker. FSU developed a specific 6-minute video guide detailing the steps to take during an active shooter event.

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2. Installation of Lockdown Buttons and Door Locks

A major physical security upgrade involved installing new, reinforced door locks and strategic lockdown buttons in classrooms and common areas across the campus. These systems allow faculty and staff to quickly secure areas in an emergency, improving the ability of students to 'hide' effectively.

3. Enhanced FSUPD Presence and Armament

The FSU Police Department (FSUPD) received increased funding, training, and resources. This included a greater visible presence of FSUPD officers, particularly during late-night hours and around central hubs like the Strozier Library and Landis Green. The department also enhanced its armament and tactical training to ensure a faster and more effective response to critical incidents.

4. The FSU Alert System Overhaul

While an alert system was in place in 2014, the post-shooting review led to a complete overhaul of the FSU Alert system. The new system ensures immediate, multi-platform notification via text message, email, social media, and on-campus digital displays, significantly reducing the time it takes for the entire FSU community to receive a warning.

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5. Increased Focus on Mental Health Resources

The Myron May case highlighted a failure in the mental healthcare system, as May's friends had tried desperately to get him help before the shooting. In response, FSU significantly expanded its University Counseling Center and implemented proactive outreach programs to identify and support students, faculty, and alumni experiencing a mental health crisis, aiming for intervention before a tragedy occurs.

6. Security Review of All Florida Public Campuses

The incident triggered a comprehensive, state-mandated security review of all public university and college campuses across Florida. This review led to standardized best practices, shared intelligence, and a unified approach to campus safety across the Florida higher education system.

7. Consideration of the Guardian Program Expansion

Following the FSU shooting and other state tragedies, Florida lawmakers seriously considered expanding the controversial Guardian Program—which allows certain armed staff in schools—to public colleges and universities. While the implementation specifics vary, the discussion itself represents a permanent shift toward considering armed, non-traditional security personnel on campus.

8. Building Design and Access Control

New construction and major renovations now incorporate security-focused design elements. This includes better surveillance camera placement, reinforced entry points, and improved access control systems. The goal is to make buildings better suited for campus emergencies and to control who can enter facilities like the Strozier Library during off-hours.

The Lasting Legacy of the Strozier Library Shooting

The 2014 active shooter event, though a single, isolated incident, created a permanent paradigm shift in how Florida State University approaches campus safety. The focus moved from merely responding to a crisis to a proactive, multi-layered strategy that integrates physical security (door locks, better lighting), technological solutions (FSU Alert), and human preparedness (Run, Hide, Fight training).

For current FSU students, these protocols are not theoretical; they are a routine part of campus life. The legacy of Myron May's actions is a constant reminder of the vulnerability of open campuses and the critical importance of robust, continually updated active shooter protocols. The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) and FSUPD maintain a close working relationship, ensuring a seamless, coordinated response to any future threats, and the university continues to emphasize that "if you see something, say something" to leverage the community as the first line of defense against tragedy.