TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - The lawn in front of Florida State University’s Unconquered Statue was not green Friday evening, but garnet.

Hundreds of students, faculty and community members packed Langford Green during a vigil in an outpouring of support for the victims of a fatal shooting at the campus the day before.

Hundreds pack Langford Green Friday for a vigil honoring the victims of a fatal shooting at Florida State University.(Ryan Kelly/WCTV)

It was one of many unusual scenes at the historic campus Friday.

In a break from the bustle that comes with the barreling approach of spring finals and graduation, FSU has been markedly quiet and somber over the last 24 hours.

Tragedy has halted the usual focus on the future and flooded the historic campus with emotions.

“I’m angry. You’re angry. Some of us are angry. Some of us are numb. I’m completely numb. Some of you are scared. I understand that,” said FSU President Richard McCullough.

A gunman opened fire Thursday near the FSU Student Union, killing two and injuring six others. The catastrophic campus shooting shocked and horrified the Seminoles, the state of Florida and the nation.

But the Noles are a family, McCullough said. A family that bands together in times of crisis.

“We will show the world what it’s like to be part of the Florida State family,” he said.

“After spending all of yesterday alone and this morning alone, it’s more important than ever,” said freshman Saxon Purdee.

People are starting to arrive.

There are over 300 chairs set up for people to sit, and plenty of room behind for standing. pic.twitter.com/sSR4aKfD2O

An outpouring of support

Just hours after the shooting, the university announced it would host a vigil Friday evening to honor those lost and hurt in the violence.

But the massive turnout at the event surpassed even the organizers’ expectations.

“When we were planning the vigil for today, I was told that we didn’t expect a lot of people to come. That was clearly wrong. This is unbelievable,” he said. “It shows the power of Florida State University.”

“This shows like how tight knit Tallahassee is and how tight knit the community is,” said senior Rylan Eichen.

Every gray folding seat on Langford Green was filled Friday, and thousands stood behind and alongside the rows of chairs to attend the service.

It was a place to grieve. To try to process. To mourn. And to support others.

"There’s no manual on how we feel when something like this happens," McCullough said. “There’s no right response to tragedy. But I want to be clear: You are not alone. We are here for you.”

“It’s hard not being with family right now, but you find your community here and I think it’s important that we acted so fast,” said senior Ana Romagosa.

McCullough led the group in a moment of silence for those lost.

The university president admitted that there is no way to make sense of the violence that struck the Noles this week.

“It’s just a tragedy that we have to continue to endure this ridiculous violence for no apparent reason,” he said. “The days ahead will be hard. They’ll be very hard. It’s not something that people know how to respond to, but we’ll get through it step by step.”

But he reassured those in attendance that the Florida State family would endure. Her encouraged the community to ask for help.

“If you need help reach out,” he said. “I can do almost anything for you.”

FSU Director of Counseling & Psychological Services Carlos J. Gómez encouraged anyone looking for counseling or support to dial 644-TALK. And leaders also encouraged members of the Florida State Family to check on one another.

“Reach out to your friends, reach out to those you haven’t heard from,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht. “Check in. We are a family and no tragedy can undo that.”

Remembering Robert Morales

Leaders during the vigil also pledged to never forget the events that transpired Thursday and to always remember those lost.

FSU executive Kyle Clark eulogized Robert Morales, one of the two men killed during the shooting, saying he was “someone on my team who I knew and I cared for deeply.” He said he would only speak about one of the two deceased to respect their families’ wishes.

“Robert was passionate about many things: his family, Florida State University, the Miami Dolphins and great food,” Clark said. “Robert made time for others, always leading with patience, humor and warmth.”

Morales was a dedicated member of the Florida State team since 2015, working most recently as a program manager for the Department of Business Services.

“Every day you coud find him in one of our dining locations,” Clark said. “He didn’t just do a job. He lived the job.”

The vice president for finance and administration said that Morales made others feel safe and cared for, ensuring that students with allergies were able to dine comfortably on campus.

Food was not just a job for him. It was a love language.

“He will remembered always with gratitude, respect and deep affection,” Clark said. “The loss of these individuals and the shock of this senseless tragedy has left us all looking for answers.”

‘This community is our strength’

Although the community is facing an unimaginable hardship, FSU Student Body President Carson Dale reminded his fellow students and Noles that “there is light even in the darkest of times.”

He asked members of the crowd to light candles in their as the Marching Chiefs played “A Hymn to the Garnet and Gold.” The band members wore Chiefs T-shirts and swayed with arms linked as they performed.

“This is a painful time for our university,” McCullough said. “What has happened has shook us all. As you continue to process it, I hope you remember that you are not alone. I’m here for you. We are all here for you... whatever you need, we will deliver.”

The vigil ended with a gesture of rememberance for the victims whose lives were lost and a reminder to show kindness and compassion.

“If you’re holding a candle, I invite you to come forward and place it on this stage. These lights honor those we lost,” McCullough said. “Let them remind us of the care we owe each other, now and always.”

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