TALLAHASSEE, FL — Tragedy struck Florida State University on Thursday as a student opened fire near the Student Union, killing two people and injuring six others before being shot and apprehended by police.
Authorities identified the alleged gunman as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a current FSU student and the stepson of longtime Leon County sheriff’s deputy Jessica Ikner. Investigators say Ikner used his stepmother’s former service handgun, which she retained for personal use after the sheriff’s office upgraded its weapons.
The shooting erupted just after midday, sending students and staff scrambling for cover as alerts blared across campus. Police responded within minutes, shooting and wounding the suspect when he refused to comply with commands. Ikner was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and remains in custody.
Campus police confirmed that the two people killed were not students; their identities have not been released. Of the six wounded, five suffered gunshot injuries and one was hurt while fleeing. All injured victims are expected to recover.
Sheriff Walt McNeil described Ikner as a “long-standing member” of the sheriff’s office youth advisory council, noting his extensive involvement in law enforcement training programs. “So it’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” McNeil said.
The motive for the attack remains under investigation. The campus was secured by early afternoon, but classes and campus events have been cancelled through the weekend as the FSU community mourns and recovers.
FSU President Richard McCullough called the shooting “a tragic and senseless act of violence at the heart of our campus,” emphasizing the university’s focus on supporting victims, their families, and the shaken campus community.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump both issued statements of support, while the incident has reignited debate over gun access and campus safety.
As police continue their investigation, a makeshift memorial has appeared near the Student Union, and the university is offering counseling and support services to those affected.
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