A tense police standoff is unfolding near the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida, after a gunman opened fire and barricaded himself inside an apartment complex on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
According to the Gainesville Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and University of Florida Police Department, shots were fired from a unit at 102 Northwest 9th Terrace, a residential building located near the UF Human Resources facility but not on university property.
The incident began when law enforcement officers attempted to serve a felony warrant related to narcotics violations. Upon their approach, the suspect, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, allegedly fired at deputies after allowing a woman, identified as his girlfriend, to leave the apartment safely. Authorities have not confirmed the name “Samuel” as the suspect, and no official identification has been released.
In response, a multi-agency SWAT team was deployed, establishing a secure perimeter around the apartment complex. All residents of the building were safely evacuated, and a section of University Avenue between 8th and 10th Streets was shut down in both directions, causing significant traffic disruptions. The nearby UF Human Resources building was also evacuated and will remain closed for the remainder of the day.
Negotiations with the barricaded suspect are ongoing, with law enforcement using loudspeakers to communicate, at one point issuing a warning for the suspect to surrender. Authorities have noted the suspect’s resistance but have not confirmed specific threats referencing a mass shooting. As of the latest updates, no injuries have been reported, and officials emphasize that there is no immediate threat to the University of Florida campus.
The University of Florida’s Department of Emergency Management has stated that normal campus operations have resumed, though the public is urged to avoid the area around West University Avenue until further notice. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is providing updates via their official social media channels.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more details become available.