Three people are dead, including the shooter, and five wounded after a gunman opened fire on a yoga class in Tallahassee, Florida, on Friday evening.
The Incident took place at Hot Yoga Tallahassee in the state capital just before 6 p.m. when a man opened fire as a class was taking place at the building, according to the Tallahassee Police Department. In total, six people were shot by the gunman and a seventh victim was injured when he was pistol whipped.
The gunman then fatally shot himself, DeLeo said.
Tallahassee Police Department identified the shooter as Scott Paul Beierle, 40.
The department identified the two people who were killed as Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21.
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Both women had ties to Florida State University. Van Vessem was a faculty member at Florida State University College of Medicine and a specialist in internal medicine. Florida State University also said Binkley was a student at the school.
“Several people fought back and tried not only to save themselves, but other people, which is a testament to the courage of the people who don’t just turn and run but the strength of our community and the spirit of those people trying to help and save and protect others,” Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo said.
DeLeo said police are asking for anyone who saw something unusual around the time of the shooting to contact police. He said the shooter acted alone and authorities are investigating possible motives. He declined to say what kind of gun the shooter had.
“We’re all very saddened and shocked by the events that occurred, but it’s important that people understand that there is no immediate threat outside of what has already occurred this evening,” DeLeo said.
Two victims remain in the hospital in stable condition, while three have been treated and released, police said.
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is the Democratic candidate for Florida governor, was campaigning in Miami with former President Barack Obama earlier in the day Friday and said he would be returning to the city.
“No act of gun violence is acceptable,” Gillum wrote on Twitter.
Gillum asked residents to pray for those who survived and those who were killed in the shooting.
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