TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tragedy Strikes Florida State University as Gunman Opens Fire, Killing Two and Wounding Six

April 24, 2025 – Tallahassee, FL — A horrific incident unfolded Thursday afternoon at Florida State University (FSU) when Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student and the son of a sheriff’s deputy, opened fire on campus, killing two people and wounding at least six others. The shooting took place outside the student union at around lunchtime, sparking widespread panic among students, faculty, and parents as gunfire echoed across the campus.

Details of the Attack and Response

The shooting began around noon, just outside the bustling student union, as students were on their way to lunch or classes. Ikner, who is believed to be an FSU student, was armed with a handgun that was reportedly once used by his mother during her tenure as a sheriff’s deputy. Authorities believe that Ikner had gained access to the weapon through his mother, who has been with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for more than 18 years.

As the attack unfolded, law enforcement officers quickly responded to the scene, but Ikner reportedly refused to comply with commands and was eventually shot and wounded by the police. Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that the suspect was subdued and transported to the hospital in stable condition.

Victims and the Investigation

While the shooter was identified as Phoenix Ikner, the two victims who tragically lost their lives in the attack have not been identified, though police have confirmed they were not students at the university. Six additional people were wounded in the incident, with one victim in critical condition. The wounded were transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the motive behind the attack. FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower stated that, at this time, there is no evidence linking the shooter to a specific target or motive. However, the investigation is continuing as authorities piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

Eyewitness Accounts and Student Reactions

Eyewitnesses at the scene have shared harrowing details of the terrifying moments when gunshots rang out. Aidan Stickney, a 21-year-old business management student, was among the first to witness the attack. He described seeing Ikner get out of a car with a shotgun before the weapon jammed. The shooter then rushed back to his vehicle, retrieved a handgun, and opened fire on a woman. Stickney, who had narrowly escaped danger, immediately called 911 and warned other students to flee.

In the chaos that followed, students scattered in all directions to find safety. Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, recalled taking refuge in a bowling alley on the lower level of the student union, along with several other students. “In that moment, it was survival,” he said, adding that the fear of what could come next kept him and others locked in place until the police arrived.

Family and Community Reactions

The tragedy has shocked not only the Florida State University community but also the broader Tallahassee area, where many are grappling with the devastating impact of such a senseless act of violence. University President Richard McCullough expressed his heartbreak over the event, offering condolences to the victims and their families. “Our hearts go out to our students and the victims of this terrible tragedy,” McCullough said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump were briefed on the incident. Trump, while expressing his shock over the events, remarked that “it’s a horrible thing,” but he also emphasized his stance against new gun legislation, reiterating his belief that “the gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do.”

FSU’s History with Tragedy

This attack is reminiscent of a 2014 shooting at Florida State, when a gunman opened fire in the campus library, wounding three individuals. The shooter was fatally shot by law enforcement. In the wake of Thursday’s violence, FSU has canceled all classes for the rest of the week, and the university announced the suspension of home athletic events through Sunday as part of a broader response to the tragedy.

The community is now left to process the loss and fear from an event that has upended the daily life of one of Florida’s largest public universities. As the investigation continues, the focus will undoubtedly shift to finding answers and providing support for those affected by the tragedy.

Ongoing Support for Victims and Community

In the aftermath of the shooting, support networks for students and faculty are being strengthened. FSU Counseling Services and local mental health professionals are offering assistance to those who have been impacted, while law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The community is urged to submit any tips or information related to the case as authorities work to uncover the full details of the incident.

As this tragic event continues to unfold, FSU’s leadership is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students and faculty, and to providing the support necessary to heal from the deep wounds inflicted on the campus.