TALLAHASSEE, FL — Tragedy struck Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday morning when a student opened fire near the campus student union, leaving two people dead and six others injured.
The shooting occurred around 11:50 a.m., prompting immediate panic and a swift campus-wide lockdown. Law enforcement officers arrived within minutes and shot the suspect after he reportedly ignored verbal commands.
Shooter Identified as Deputy’s Son
Authorities identified the alleged gunman as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, an FSU student and the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment and has so far declined to speak with investigators.
According to police, the firearm used in the attack was a former service weapon issued to Ikner’s mother, a veteran of over 18 years with the sheriff’s office. Ikner had previously been involved with the department’s youth advisory council and participated in several training programs. His motive remains under investigation.
Chaos on Campus: Students Scramble for Safety
As gunfire erupted, students and faculty ran for cover—some taking refuge in a bowling alley or hiding inside a freight elevator. Hundreds fled the area while emergency responders secured the scene.
FSU authorities ordered students to shelter in place until the threat was fully contained by early afternoon. The lockdown was lifted shortly after 3 p.m., though several campus buildings remained closed as active crime scenes.
Casualties and Response
Police confirmed that the two people killed were not students. The six injured victims were rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital; one remains in critical condition, while the others are reported to be in serious condition.
FSU President Richard McCullough praised campus police for their rapid response, stating their actions “prevented a much greater tragedy.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded via social media: “We are all Seminoles today.” Former President Donald Trump also commented, calling the shooting a “horrible” event and confirming he had been briefed on the situation.
Classes Canceled, Investigations Ongoing
In the wake of the violence, FSU canceled all classes and university events through Friday, with athletic competitions suspended through the weekend.
The university, home to over 44,000 students and located just minutes from the Florida Capitol, is reeling from the aftermath. The surrounding area—also home to Florida A&M University—is a tight-knit academic community now grappling with loss and unanswered questions.
Authorities continue to investigate how Ikner accessed the weapon and what led to the fatal shooting, which has cast a dark shadow over one of the state’s leading institutions.
