Phoenix Ikner: 2 killed, 6 injured in Florida State shooting; suspect detained
A mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, on Thursday resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to at least six others, according to law enforcement officials. The victims are currently receiving treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, with one person listed in critical condition. Authorities confirmed that the two individuals who died were not affiliated with the university as students or members of law enforcement.
FSU President Richard McCullough addressed the tragedy in a public statement, expressing sorrow and heartbreak over the violence that took place on the campus. “This is a tragic day for Florida State University,” McCullough said. “We are absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today.”
Law enforcement officials identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner. Investigators revealed that Ikner’s mother has worked as a deputy for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for over 18 years. The weapon recovered at the crime scene was a former service weapon that had previously belonged to Ikner’s mother. Authorities clarified that she had legally purchased the weapon for personal use after retiring it from official duty.
Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil shared more background on Ikner, stating that he had been involved with the Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council and had participated in several of its training programs. McNeil acknowledged that Ikner’s longstanding involvement with the sheriff’s office community may have contributed to his access to firearms. “It wasn’t surprising, considering his deep connection to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office,” McNeil said.
Chief Lawrence E. Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department said that when officers confronted Ikner, he failed to follow verbal commands and was subsequently shot by police. Ikner survived and is currently being treated for his injuries. According to Revell, the suspect invoked his legal right to remain silent and has not cooperated with authorities. Preliminary investigations indicate that Ikner acted alone and is believed to be an enrolled student at FSU.
President Donald Trump addressed the situation in remarks from the Oval Office. Calling the incident “a shame,” Trump expressed sadness over the shooting but reiterated his stance against implementing new gun control laws. “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” he said. Emphasizing his support for the Second Amendment, Trump described himself as “a big advocate” of the constitutional right to bear arms. Earlier that day, he confirmed he had been fully briefed on the events, calling them “horrible” and expressing sympathy for those affected.
The timeline of the incident began just before noon, when the gunman began shooting near the university’s student union building. The campus was immediately placed on lockdown. Law enforcement agencies responded swiftly, securing the area and urging students and staff to shelter in place.
A warning was issued by the university shortly after the shooting began. The alert instructed people on campus to lock doors, stay away from windows, and be prepared to take further safety measures if necessary. “Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures,” the message read.
Law enforcement officials, including the Tallahassee Police Department and agents from the FBI’s Tallahassee office, responded to the scene. The FBI later confirmed it was assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation. Shortly after the lockdown was lifted, police issued a statement on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, announcing that the threat had been neutralized and the campus was secured. However, they also indicated that a heightened police presence would remain in the area as the investigation continued.
As of now, officials have not released details regarding the motive behind the shooting. The victims’ identities and further updates on their conditions have yet to be publicly disclosed. Law enforcement is asking anyone with information related to the case to come forward as investigators work to piece together what led to this deadly event.
The incident has left the FSU community shaken, raising concerns about campus safety and the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States. Though the motive remains unclear, the fact that the shooter had access to a firearm formerly issued to a law enforcement officer has reignited debate about gun ownership, especially in cases involving individuals with close ties to police departments.
Classes at FSU have been canceled for the remainder of the week, and counseling services are being offered to students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy. University officials are urging members of the campus community to support one another during this difficult time.
