Tallahassee, FL — April 17, 2025
A tragic shooting unfolded at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to five others. The incident occurred near the Student Union building shortly before noon, prompting a campus-wide lockdown.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, an FSU student and son of a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy, was apprehended after being wounded by police. Authorities reported that Ikner utilized multiple firearms during the attack, including a handgun and a shotgun. One of the weapons was a former service firearm from his mother, a long-serving deputy. Investigators also discovered an additional firearm in Ikner’s vehicle.
The two fatalities were adults not affiliated with the university. Among the injured, one individual remains in critical condition at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as students sought shelter in various locations, including a bowling alley and a freight elevator.
FSU President Richard McCullough commended campus police for their swift response, stating that their actions prevented further tragedy. In the aftermath, the university canceled all classes and events through Friday, with athletic events suspended through the weekend.
This incident marks a somber moment for FSU, recalling a 2014 campus shooting at the Strozier Library. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack.
