Tragedy struck the campus of Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday after a 20-year-old student, identified as Phoenix Ikner, opened fire near the student union, killing two adult males and injuring six others.
According to law enforcement, Ikner—who is the son of a long-serving deputy in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office—used one of his mother’s old service weapons to carry out the attack. Police say the weapon was among those recovered at the scene.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that five people were shot directly, while a sixth person sustained injuries while attempting to flee the chaos. The suspect was shot by police officers responding to the scene and is currently hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
‘Everyone Just Started Running’
The campus was immediately placed on lockdown, and students were ordered to shelter in place as the attack unfolded in broad daylight. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic.
“Everyone just started running out of the student union,” said a student identified as Wayne, speaking to local news outlet WCTV. “About a minute later, we heard about eight to ten gunshots.”
Another student, Sam Swartz, told the Tallahassee Democrat that he had been in the basement when the gunfire started. He and a group of others barricaded themselves in a hallway using trash cans and plywood.
“I remember learning to do the best you can to make them take time,” Swartz said. “These shooters are just trying to get as many people as they can.”
Bystander footage aired on CNN showed a young man walking calmly across campus grounds while firing at fleeing students.
A Deputy’s Son with Access to Weapons
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed that the suspect is the son of a deputy with 18 years of service. He acknowledged that Ikner had access to weapons through participation in department-run training programs.
“It’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” McNeil said.
Despite the suspect’s background and familiarity with law enforcement protocols, officials say no prior red flags were raised.
Classes Canceled, Community in Mourning
In the wake of the attack, FSU canceled all classes and home sporting events for the weekend. The university, which has a student population of over 40,000, has begun providing support services for those affected.
“This is a tragic day for Florida State University,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “We’re absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today.”
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear as investigations continue.
Gun Violence in America
This shooting adds to the grim tally of mass shootings in the United States, where debates over gun control remain divisive despite growing public support for tighter regulations.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the country has already recorded at least 81 mass shootings in 2025 alone—defined as incidents where four or more people are shot.
