A shooting at Florida State University on Thursday left two people dead and at least six others injured after a 20-year-old student opened fire near the campus Student Union, authorities said. The shooter, identified as Phoenix Ikner , was wounded by police after refusing to comply with commands.
FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed that the two people who died were not university students. Ikner, the suspected gunman, is believed to be enrolled at FSU. Five other victims were being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, with one reported in critical condition. Ikner is also receiving medical attention.
Authorities revealed that Ikner is the son of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner and used one of her former service weapons in the attack. “Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene,” Sheriff Walter McNeil said, adding that the investigation would look into how he obtained it.
McNeil also said Ikner had been a member of the sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council and had participated in multiple training programmes. “It’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” he said. A motive for the shooting has not yet been disclosed.
The incident began around 11:50 a.m. when Ikner allegedly began shooting outside the Student Union. “Needless to say we have multiple crime scenes,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “They challenged him and they ended up shooting him. He did not comply with commands and was shot. I do not believe he fired at all [toward police].”
University officials cancelled all classes through Friday and advised students and staff to avoid the Student Union and surrounding areas, which remain active crime scenes. FSU's finals week is scheduled to begin on April 28, with commencement ceremonies slated for May 2–3.
Eyewitnesses described moments of chaos. “I always hang out in the Student Union. So the second I found out that the threat was there, my heart sank and I was scared,” said student Andres Perez, who barricaded a classroom door with classmates before police escorted them to safety.
Others echoed similar fears. “In that moment, it was survival,” said Ryan Cedergren, a communications student who hid in the bowling alley beneath the Union. Another student, Jake Nair, called the experience “surreal” after seeing officers escort students with their hands up.
The FBI has opened a full investigation and is asking the public to submit any photos or videos from the scene. Florida A&M University, located nearby, also cancelled classes on Thursday.
This is not the first time FSU has seen campus gun violence. In 2014, a gunman shot three people at the Strozier Library before being fatally shot by police.
President Donald Trump responded to the incident from the Oval Office, saying, “It’s a shame,” but ruled out pushing for new gun legislation. “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” he said, reaffirming his support for the Second Amendment. “I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment.”
FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed that the two people who died were not university students. Ikner, the suspected gunman, is believed to be enrolled at FSU. Five other victims were being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, with one reported in critical condition. Ikner is also receiving medical attention.
Authorities revealed that Ikner is the son of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner and used one of her former service weapons in the attack. “Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene,” Sheriff Walter McNeil said, adding that the investigation would look into how he obtained it.
McNeil also said Ikner had been a member of the sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council and had participated in multiple training programmes. “It’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” he said. A motive for the shooting has not yet been disclosed.
The incident began around 11:50 a.m. when Ikner allegedly began shooting outside the Student Union. “Needless to say we have multiple crime scenes,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “They challenged him and they ended up shooting him. He did not comply with commands and was shot. I do not believe he fired at all [toward police].”
University officials cancelled all classes through Friday and advised students and staff to avoid the Student Union and surrounding areas, which remain active crime scenes. FSU's finals week is scheduled to begin on April 28, with commencement ceremonies slated for May 2–3.
Eyewitnesses described moments of chaos. “I always hang out in the Student Union. So the second I found out that the threat was there, my heart sank and I was scared,” said student Andres Perez, who barricaded a classroom door with classmates before police escorted them to safety.
Others echoed similar fears. “In that moment, it was survival,” said Ryan Cedergren, a communications student who hid in the bowling alley beneath the Union. Another student, Jake Nair, called the experience “surreal” after seeing officers escort students with their hands up.
The FBI has opened a full investigation and is asking the public to submit any photos or videos from the scene. Florida A&M University, located nearby, also cancelled classes on Thursday.
This is not the first time FSU has seen campus gun violence. In 2014, a gunman shot three people at the Strozier Library before being fatally shot by police.
President Donald Trump responded to the incident from the Oval Office, saying, “It’s a shame,” but ruled out pushing for new gun legislation. “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” he said, reaffirming his support for the Second Amendment. “I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment.”
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