Florida State University Shooting: Tragedy Strikes Campus as 2 Killed, 6 Wounded
A mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on Thursday left two dead and six injured, including one victim in critical condition. Authorities confirmed the suspected shooter, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner—son of a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy—is in custody after a chaotic lockdown gripped the campus.
Key Details of the Florida State University Shooting
- Casualties: Two deceased (non-students) and six wounded.
- Shooter: Phoenix Ikner, an FSU student, used his mother’s former service weapon.
- Law Enforcement Response: Tallahassee police neutralized the threat after Ikner allegedly refused commands and was shot.
- Campus Impact: FSU canceled classes through Friday; nearby Florida A&M University also closed.
Who Is Phoenix Ikner? Suspect Background Revealed
Ikner, whose mother is an 18-year veteran of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, had ties to law enforcement programs. Sheriff Walter McNeil noted Ikner was a member of the Sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council and had “training program” exposure. The weapon used was legally purchased by his mother after her service.
Law Enforcement Response and Campus Lockdown
The shooting erupted near FSU’s student union around noon, triggering a multi-hour lockdown. Students received alerts to shelter in place, with police using the code word “SEMINOLE” to confirm safety.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell stated Ikner “acted alone” and invoked his right to remain silent. The FBI and local agencies continue investigating.
Political Reactions and Gun Control Debate
President Trump addressed the shooting, calling it “a shame” but rejecting calls for new gun laws: “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do.” Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier pledged state support for victims and families.
Community Impact and Calls for Action
Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime died in the 2018 Parkland shooting, highlighted survivors’ trauma: “Some [Parkland students] were in the student union today… This is why we need action on gun violence.”
FSU President Richard McCullough called the day “heartbreaking,” while students shared harrowing accounts of alarms blaring and barricading indoors.
Why This Matters
The Florida State University shooting underscores recurring debates over campus safety, gun access, and law enforcement ties. With FSU’s 44,000-student community reeling, the incident reignites urgency for solutions to prevent future tragedies.