The first of several packages mailed by a man who shot three people at a Florida State University library was delivered in Texas and is in the hands of the FBI, the agency said Friday.
Authorities thought the packages could contain videos and journals from Myron May, who was killed by police officers outside the library Thursday, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because that person wasn’t authorized to release information about the case.
Shauna Dunlap, FBI special agent in Houston, declined to provide details on the nature of the package or the recipient, referring questions to the Tallahassee Police Department.“The package did not pose a hazardous threat to the public,” Dunlap said. “However, it is going to be part of the ongoing investigation.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service also said the packages weren’t a threat and said they were flat-rate, priority mail envelopes.
Police obtained videos and journals Thursday that indicate May feared he was being watched and targeted by the government. Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo said May was trying to get that message out.
May sent friends messages before the shooting saying they could expect packages Friday. Authorities were trying to intercept them, but they weren’t sure where each of the packages was to be delivered. They believe they are being sent to several states.
May graduated from Florida State in 2005 and earned a law degree at Texas Tech University. He worked as a lawyer in Texas and New Mexico before returning about three weeks ago to Florida. He has family in Ohio, where he was born.
May posted on his Facebook page links to information on alleged government mind-reading and he believed the government was spying on him. He made rambling statements to police and a former girlfriend. He abruptly quit his job and headed back to Florida, staying with friends and giving no hint about his violent plans until early Thursday when he headed to his alma mater.
“Mr. May’s sense of being and place in our community was not what most people would refer to as a normal,” DeLeo said Thursday. “He had a sense of crisis and he was searching for something.”
Meantime, the Tallahassee campus had added security Friday as classes resumed and the Stozier Library reopened.
Yellow crime scene tape was removed from the library and university President John Thrasher met students at the front door as they entered.
Classes were canceled Thursday in the wake of the attack. It allowed students time to contact families as well as gather for prayer and reflection.
“We are going to get back to normal,” Thrasher said.
Several hundred students attended a “Gathering of Unity” candlelight vigil on Landis Green, not far from the library, Thursday evening. There was a banner that read “FSU Strong” and the university’s marching band performed.
“The world is watching tonight, Florida State University. They are watching how we responded to this incredible crisis,” Thrasher told the crowd. “I hope they are watching this crowd out here, this group of students, this group of people who care about this Seminole nation, these victims. I hope they are watching that because it is a true tribute to each and every one of you for the love you care for for this university and the people.
One of the shooting victims was reportedly in critical condition at a hospital; another was treated and released at the scene; a third, Nathan Scott, was in good condition with a leg wound at a hospital.
