A shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday resulted in two fatalities and six injuries, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and emergency services.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who is also a student at FSU. Crucially, investigators believe Ikner utilized a firearm belonging to his mother, a Sheriff’s Deputy with over 18 years of service, whom officials describe as having a “tremendous” record.
The victims were not affiliated with the university; they were not FSU students.
In the immediate aftermath, the university and local authorities urged students, faculty, and staff to contact their loved ones. The campus remains an active crime scene.
Federal agencies quickly mobilized to assist in the response:
- The FBI dispatched agents from its Tallahassee field office.
- The ATF’s Tampa office confirmed their presence on-site, working alongside local law enforcement.
The incident sent shockwaves beyond FSU, prompting heightened alert at the University of Virginia following a separate security concern involving an individual with a knife.
Reactions poured in from political leaders:
“My team and I are monitoring reports of an active shooter on FSU’s campus. It’s too early to understand the extent of the violence, but early reports are very disturbing… Follow all local guidance. Shelter in place. Stay safe. Thank you to our brave first responders for responding to the situation.” – Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.)
FSU has suspended all classes through Friday and canceled athletic events scheduled for the weekend.
Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of sudden chaos and fear. Sophomore Ben Veytsman, who was attending therapy at the Thagard Building near the student union when the shooting occurred, described the experience:
“I was walking home and then this one guy was like chasing another guy… And then the guy in front was like, ‘Yo, there’s some school shooting. Everyone get inside,’ because we were right near the library. And then I could tell he wasn’t joking.”
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) confirmed they are treating patients “related to an incident” at FSU but declined to provide specifics due to patient privacy concerns, stating their teams are fully mobilized and prepared to offer care.
Another student, Cole Summers, recounted hearing rumors of a gun before the shots began while he was getting food at Panera. He described fleeing through the back entrance of the union after hearing more gunfire.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis offered prayers for the FSU community and confirmed state law enforcement’s active response.
President Trump has been briefed on the situation, calling it “horrible” and Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized a focus on safety and promised updates as more information becomes available. FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino also confirmed the bureau’s involvement.
FSU’s sprawling campus encompasses 485.7 acres with over 403 buildings, serving a student body of more than 44,300 supported by over 16,000 employees.
