In a harrowing incident on Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Florida State University (FSU) campus in Tallahassee became the scene of a mass shooting that left two people dead and at least six others wounded. The shooter, identified as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student at the university, opened fire with a handgun just outside the student union building around midday, prompting chaos, fear, and an immediate emergency response.
Suspect Identified as Son of Sheriff’s Deputy
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that the suspect was shot and wounded by responding officers after he refused to follow their commands. Ikner, who is reportedly the son of a longtime Leon County Sheriff’s deputy, used his mother’s former service weapon during the attack. The weapon, according to authorities, had been kept for personal use after the sheriff’s office updated its firearms.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil described the suspect as someone who had been closely associated with the sheriff’s office through youth mentorship programs. “He was a part of our youth advisory council and engaged in training programs. It’s no surprise he had access to weapons,” McNeil said during a press briefing.
Victims and Injuries
FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower shared that the two deceased individuals were not students, though further details about them have not been released. Meanwhile, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital confirmed it was treating six people injured in the shooting, with one person listed in critical condition.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive behind the attack, and investigations are ongoing.
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Eyewitness Accounts: Panic and Survival
The shooting erupted at one of the busiest times on campus. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and surreal. Aidan Stickney, a 21-year-old business management student, recounted seeing the shooter initially try to use a shotgun, which jammed. “He then went back to his car and pulled out a handgun. That’s when he started firing at a woman,” Stickney said, adding that he called 911 as he ran for safety.
Trumbower later clarified that there was no evidence anyone was shot with the shotgun.
Students and Parents Take Cover
Many students and visiting parents scrambled for safety, hiding in various locations within the student union. Ryan Cedergren, a communications student, said about 30 people barricaded themselves inside the building’s bowling alley. “In that moment, it was about survival,” he shared, adding that they were escorted out after 15 tense minutes.
Chris Pento, who was on a campus tour with his children, described hiding in a freight elevator after hearing gunshots. “That was the scariest part. We didn’t know what was going to happen when the doors opened,” he said. Fortunately, officers were on the other side, ready to escort them to safety.
Campus Lockdown and Emergency Response
The university immediately activated its emergency alert system, locking down classrooms, dorms, and buildings across campus. Students like Kai McGalla were caught in exam centers, unable to comprehend the reality of the situation. “The first thing I thought was, ‘This can’t be true,’” McGalla said during a phone call while sheltering in place.
Joshua Sirmans, a 20-year-old student in the main library, was evacuated by police officers with his hands raised, following active shooter protocols.
More than three hours after the initial shots were fired, the university confirmed that the threat had been “neutralized.” Dozens of law enforcement vehicles, including forensics units, remained outside the student union, which was cordoned off with police tape. Students and staff gathered nearby, some in tears, many praying, and others waiting to retrieve belongings left behind during the evacuation.
National Reaction and Presidential Response
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed sorrow over the incident from the Oval Office, calling it “a horrible thing.” However, he downplayed the need for gun reform, stating, “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do.”
The White House confirmed that federal authorities were monitoring the situation, though no indication was given of additional federal involvement at this time.
University Responds with Solidarity
University President Richard McCullough expressed deep grief in a public statement. “Our hearts go out to our students, staff, and the victims of this terrible tragedy,” he said. The university canceled all classes and events for the day and suspended all athletic events through the weekend.
As the sun set on the shaken campus, students and community members created a small memorial outside the student union—candles flickered beside bouquets of flowers, honoring the lives lost.
Past Incidents and Future Uncertainty
Thursday’s tragedy is not the first mass shooting at FSU. In 2014, a gunman wounded three people at the university’s main library before being shot dead by police. The recurrence of such violence has left many asking how and when such incidents will end.
With approximately 44,000 students enrolled, Florida State University remains one of the state’s largest and most respected institutions. The administration, law enforcement, and community now face the difficult task of healing—and ensuring that the campus becomes a place of learning and safety once again.
