Melissa Donovan
A deadly shooting on Florida State University’s (FSU) campus on Thursday has left two people dead and six others injured. Authorities have identified the shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a sheriff’s deputy.
Ikner, believed to be an FSU student, opened fire with a handgun around midday near the university’s student union, according to Tallahassee police. The Associated Press reports he arrived on campus about an hour before the shooting and remained near a parking garage before walking through campus buildings and green spaces, firing shots shortly before noon.
Tallahassee police said the entire incident lasted less than four minutes. Officers confronted Ikner and shot him after he failed to comply with commands. He was transported to the hospital with “serious but non-life-threatening injuries.”
Authorities believe Ikner used his mother’s former service weapon in the attack. Ikner’s mother is a veteran of over 18 years with the sheriff’s department.
The two people killed in the shooting were both men and not students at FSU, according to officials, although their identities have not yet been released. Police reported that five people were shot, and a sixth person sustained injuries while fleeing. All six victims were treated at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and are expected to survive. As of Friday, two had been discharged, three were listed in good condition, and one remained in fair condition.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
The incident triggered a swift response from local and state law enforcement, with emergency vehicles flooding the campus just west of Florida’s state capital after the university issued an active shooter alert. The FSU alert system later confirmed the threat had been “neutralized” shortly after 3 p.m.
Scenes of chaos unfolded on campus as students scrambled for safety, many hiding in nearby buildings such as a bowling alley and a freight elevator. Hundreds streamed away from the student union area, many visibly shaken. Dozens of students gathered near the College of Music, awaiting updates.
FSU President Richard McCullough released a statement urging students to seek support if needed and provided contact information for Counseling and Psychological Services. “If you’re struggling emotionally or mentally, please call (850) 644-TALK (8255),” he wrote.
In response to the incident, all FSU classes and business operations on the Tallahassee campus were canceled through Friday. Athletic events scheduled through Sunday have also been called off.
Governor Ron DeSantis expressed support for the university community, writing on X, “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are working to gather more information about Ikner’s background and any potential warning signs before the attack.
Authorities have not released any additional information regarding the victims or any possible connection they may have had to the shooter.
Comments