A tragic shooting occurred at Florida State University when a 20-year-old gunman opened fire, leading to the deaths of two men and injuring at least six others. The incident sent waves of panic across the campus as students hastily sought shelter, abandoning personal belongings in their flight to safety. By Friday, the university was adorned with memorials of candles and flowers, and a vigil was organized to help the community begin the healing process from Thursday’s frightening events.
The shooter, identified as Phoenix Ikner, is believed to be a student at Florida State and the son of a sheriff’s deputy. Authorities reported that Ikner used his mother’s former service weapon during the attack, though the motive remains unclear. The shooting commenced near the student union around lunchtime, causing chaos as students frantically tried to secure themselves.
Police responded swiftly, engaging and wounding the gunman when he ignored commands to stand down. The university police confirmed that the deceased were not students, but further details about the victims were not disclosed. Ikner accessed his mother’s service handgun, which she retained after the sheriff’s office upgraded to new weapons.
Six individuals were injured, with five suffering gunshot wounds and another sustaining injuries while trying to escape. All were reported to be in fair condition by Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Ikner, a long-standing participant in the sheriff’s office’s youth advisory council, reportedly had access to weapons, which came as no surprise to law enforcement.
Witnesses recounted panic-stricken scenes, with one student, Aidan Stickney, describing seeing the shooter initially attempt to use a shotgun, which jammed. The gunman then resorted to a handgun, targeting individuals indiscriminately. Another student, Holden Mendez, recalled using emergency training to reassure others amid the chaos.
The shooting has reverberated nationwide, prompting President Donald Trump to express sorrow over the incident while reiterating his stance against new gun legislation. University President Richard McCullough conveyed his deep sorrow for the affected students and victims.
Florida State University, a prominent public university with an enrollment of 44,000 students, experienced a similar tragedy in 2014 when a shooting occurred at its main library. Following this recent incident, the university canceled classes and athletic events to prioritize the safety and well-being of the campus community.