TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Thursday, April 17, 2025, a shooting at Florida State University left at least two people dead and six others hospitalized, according to investigators. The suspect has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at FSU and the son of a long-serving deputy in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
In a press conference, Leon County Sheriff Walter A. McNeil confirmed Ikner’s identity, stating that he opened fire near the university’s student union around 11:50 a.m., striking multiple individuals and causing chaos on campus. Ikner was ultimately apprehended by police after being shot himself.
“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene,” Sheriff McNeil said, referring to Ikner’s mother, Deputy Jessica Ikner, who has served the department for over 18 years. According to the sheriff, one of Deputy Ikner’s weapons was recovered at the scene of the shooting.
Witnesses reported that the shooter began firing with a rifle-shaped weapon before switching to a pistol. Sheriff McNeil noted that Ikner was a “long-standing member” of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office youth advisory council, indicating his deep ties to law enforcement.
“He was embedded in the law enforcement community and was a member of the sheriff’s office’s youth council,” McNeil explained. “He was engaged in a number of training programs that we have.”
As for the victims, the two individuals killed were confirmed not to be students at FSU. Six others, described as innocent victims, were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the shooting. One of the injured was reported to be in critical condition initially, but a hospital spokesperson later indicated that all were now in fair condition.
Classes at Florida State University have been canceled for the rest of the week as the campus grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event. “This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever fathom from a law enforcement perspective,” McNeil stated solemnly.
In response to the shooting, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College also canceled classes through the weekend. The Tallahassee Police Department is leading the investigation, with officials urging anyone with information to come forward.
“The FBI has opened up a tip line to track down more information from the hundreds, maybe even thousands, of witnesses present at the multiple crime scenes inside and outside the building,” McNeil added.
In a previous article by FSUNews, an FSU political science student named Phoenix Ikner was quoted discussing local protests against President Donald Trump’s agenda ahead of his inauguration in January 2017. “These people are usually pretty entertaining, usually not for good reasons,” Ikner was quoted as saying. “I think it’s a little too late, (Trump’s) already going to be inaugurated on Jan. 20, and there’s not really much you can do unless you outright revolt, and I don’t think anyone wants that.”
According to Florida voting records, Ikner registered as a Republican. The ongoing investigation is looking into how the shooting occurred and what other weapons Ikner may have had access to.
As the community mourns, FSU President Richard McCullough expressed his condolences during the press conference. “Our hearts go out to our students and the victims of this terrible tragedy,” he said, noting that he and his wife visited the victims in the hospital shortly before addressing the media.
The university is offering support services for students affected by the shooting. Members of the campus community or those who need assistance can reach out to FSU's Counseling & Psychological Services team at (850) 644-TALK (8255).
As the investigation continues, law enforcement leaders have emphasized the need for community support and vigilance. “This is a tragic day for Florida State University,” McCullough said, his voice heavy with emotion. “We understand that you all have been devastated because of this person’s actions.”
The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as more information becomes available. The community is urged to remain cautious as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
