At least one University of Florida building was evacuated Tuesday morning following reports of gunfire and a barricaded suspect at a nearby off-campus location, according to university and law enforcement officials.
UF’s main human resources building at 903 W. University Avenue was cleared after the incident unfolded at an apartment complex roughly one block away, the university’s emergency notification system reported via its X (formerly Twitter) account.
“UF Alert-Gainesville: (102 NW 9th Ter) The barricaded suspect incident is continuing. The neighboring UF HR building has been safely evacuated and will remain closed for the rest of the day. Continue to avoid the area until further notice,” the alert stated.
UF Alert-Gainesville: (102 NW 9th Ter) Barricaded suspect incident is continuing. Continue to avoid the area.
— UF Alert (@UFAlert) July 29, 2025
Officials with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said the situation began as deputies attempted to serve a felony warrant at the apartment complex. During the operation, shots were reportedly fired and the suspect barricaded themselves inside a residence.
No deputies were injured, and law enforcement emphasized there was no immediate threat to students or others on campus. However, authorities urged the public to avoid the area as a precaution while the situation remained active.
As of publication time, no additional details had been released.
The incident occurred just a few months after a mass shooting on April 17, 2025, at Florida State University in Tallahassee. A 20‑year‑old FSU student, Phoenix Ikner, shot and killed two campus staff members and wounded six others before being apprehended by university police.
The attack occurred in the Student Union area shortly before noon, prompting widespread lockdowns and the cancellation of classes and athletic events. In the aftermath, Ikner was indicted on charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder.
