FSU Sparks Controversy After Posting Safeword Online During Active Shooter Situation

April 18, 2025

Okay, so let’s talk about what just went down at Florida State University—and why the internet is lowkey spiralling over it. On Thursday, during an absolutely terrifying active shooter situation, FSU posted something to social media that has people very divided: the law enforcement’s safeword. Yep. The safeword. The one cops would use to identify themselves to students. It’s supposed to be a code that confirms, Hey, I’m the good guy, not the shooter. And while the intention might’ve been to help students feel safer and informed, blasting it all over socials? Risky AF.

Here’s why people are upset:

Let’s be real—sharing the safeword online could’ve easily backfired. If the shooter (or shooters 👀) had seen the post, they could’ve used that same word to pretend to be law enforcement. That would’ve been beyond dangerous and could’ve seriously increased the fatality count.

This is a Emergency Message for Florida State University Tallahassee Campus.

Continue to shelter in place. Law enforcement is actively clearing rooms on the main campus. Law enforcement officers will use the safe word SEMINOLE to confirm it is safe to o https://t.co/IpxpEmskyj
— FSU Alert (@FSUAlert) April 17, 2025

Trust Is Everything in These Moments

In life-or-death situations like this, trust in law enforcement and communication protocols is crucial. If students don’t feel like the information they’re getting is secure or smartly handled, that trust breaks—and that’s not something you can just slap a bandaid on.

A lot of students, alumni, and safety experts are now asking: Was there a better way to do this? Maybe a campus-wide text system? A secure app? Literally anything other than a tweet

TL;DR

FSU shared the law enforcement safeword on social media during an active shooter crisis. While they probably meant well, it raised serious red flags about safety, strategy, and who exactly could’ve seen that post. The internet isn’t thrilled—because in moments like these, oversharing could have deadly consequences.

FSU, we love you, but please… next time, think before you post. 💔

Written by: MJ