Two Florida State students reportedly remain hospitalized and one has been released in the wake of the shooting that took place early Thursday morning inside Strozier Library. Had it not been for a backpack full of books, Jason Derfuss might have been the fourth victim.
Derfuss, an FSU student, allegedly heard the first gunshot go off at the library. He says the shooter, who has now been identified as an FSU graduate, targeted him from five feet away. The books in Derfuss’ backpack stopped the bullet and may have saved his life. Derfuss told the story via his Facebook page.
Earlier tonight there was a shooting at FSU, right as I was leaving Strozier. I didn’t know this at the time, but the Shooter targeted me first. The shot I heard behind me I did not feel, nor did it hit me at all. He was about 5 feet from me, but he hit my books. Books one minute earlier I had checked out of the library, books that should not have stopped the bullet. But they did. I learned this about 3 hours after it happened, I never thought to check my bag. I assumed I wasn’t a target, I assumed I was fine. The truth is I was almost killed tonight and God intervened. I know conceptually He can do all things, but to physically witness the impossible and to be surrounded by such grace is indescribable. To God be the glory, forever and ever, Amen.
The bullet went through Derfuss’ backpack and penetrated the covers of at least two books. Fortunately, it never got to his body and he didn’t even realize the shooter had targeted him until hours later.
You can see more of the photos that Derfuss shared here. They’re absolutely incredible.
H/T Fortress America
