A shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee resulted in two fatalities and six injuries on Thursday. Authorities responded swiftly to the incident, which began around 11:50 a.m., and identified the suspect as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student.
Ikner was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment. According to officials, he utilized a firearm belonging to his mother, Jessica Ikner, a sheriff’s deputy with over 18 years of service in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Walt McNeil praised her record, stating, “Her service to this community has been exceptional.” He added that the investigation is ongoing regarding how Ikner gained access to the weapon.
The victims were not affiliated with FSU as students. The campus and surrounding area remain an active crime scene while authorities believe Ikner acted alone.
In response, FSU has canceled all classes through Friday and postponed all athletic events until the weekend. Here’s what students experienced:
- Sophomore Ben Veytsman described hearing shots after leaving a therapy appointment at the Thagard Building near the student union. He recounted, “I was walking home and then this one guy was like chasing another guy…and I thought they had an altercation between themselves.”
- Another student, Cole Summers, who was in the student union getting food, stated he heard a group of girls mention a gun before hearing shots and immediately began running. “I ran out the back of the union and as I was running I heard more shots coming from the entrance of the union.”
Numerous state and federal agencies are involved in the ongoing investigation:
- The FBI dispatched agents from its Tallahassee field office, with additional support and information requests coming from the Jacksonville office.
- The ATF’s Tampa office is assisting law enforcement on the scene.
Political figures have expressed concern and offered support:
- Representative Neal Dunn (R-Fla.) wrote on social media, “Follow all local guidance. Shelter in place. Stay safe.”
- Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) stated her office was in contact with FSU leadership.
- Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) urged students to follow school officials’ directions.
- President Donald Trump briefly commented, calling the situation “horrible.”
- Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “The [FBI] is on the scene at Florida State and we are in communication with agents on the ground.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also offered prayers for those affected.
FSU’s Tallahassee campus encompasses 485.7 acres and boasts over 403 buildings, serving a student body of more than 44,300 with the support of over 16,000 employees.
