A tragic shooting unfolded at Florida State University when a 20-year-old individual opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two men and injuring at least six others. This distressing incident prompted students to barricade themselves and flee across campus, leaving behind personal belongings in their haste. By early Friday, memorials consisting of candles and flowers appeared throughout the campus, and a vigil was organized to help students and faculty begin the healing process.
The perpetrator has been identified as Phoenix Ikner, believed to be a Florida State student and the son of a sheriff’s deputy. Authorities reported that the shooter used his mother’s former service weapon to carry out the attack, although the motive remains unclear. The shooting took place outside the student union around lunchtime on Thursday, and the gunman was wounded by responding officers after refusing to comply with their commands.
The victims who lost their lives were not students, according to the Florida State University Police. A spokesperson for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare confirmed that the injured individuals were in fair condition, with five sustaining gunshot wounds and another hurt while attempting to escape. Ikner, involved in the sheriff’s youth advisory council, accessed his mother’s weapon, which she retained for personal use.
The shooting prompted an immediate response from emergency services, with ambulances, fire trucks, and patrol vehicles converging on the scene. A witness reported seeing the shooter initially attempt to use a shotgun before it jammed, leading him to switch to a handgun. This witness, Aidan Stickney, recounted warning others while contacting emergency services.
As the shooting unfolded, students experienced fear and panic, with some recalling their emergency response training to help maintain calm. Despite the chaos, efforts were made to reassure those around them of their safety.
The incident has drawn national attention, with President Donald Trump expressing his horror over the events but indicating no plans to pursue new gun legislation. The university community, including President Richard McCullough, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
Florida State University, one of the state’s 12 public universities with approximately 44,000 students, has faced a shooting incident before. In 2014, the main library was the scene of an attack, which injured three people before the gunman was killed by police. In response to the current tragedy, the university canceled classes and home athletic events for the remainder of the week.
