In a tragic incident that has shocked the Florida State University (FSU) community, a mass shooting occurred on the campus on Thursday, April 17, 2025, leaving two people dead and six others injured, including the shooter. The suspect has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a Leon County sheriff's deputy, who reportedly used his mother's service weapon during the attack.
According to Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil, the shooting unfolded near the Student Union around noon, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. Ikner was taken into custody after being shot by responding officers, and he was also transported to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare for treatment. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, but authorities confirmed that they were not students at the university.
In the aftermath of the shooting, FSU has canceled classes for the remainder of the week and is providing support services for those affected. The university's Counseling & Psychological Services team can be reached at (850) 644-2003, and on-site support is available at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Additionally, the Apalachee Center's Mobile Response Team is offering assistance, and the Downtown Community Church opened its doors for community members seeking to talk about the incident.
Ikner, a political science major at FSU, has been described as an individual who expressed anti-Donald Trump sentiments on social media and was allegedly pro-Palestine. Screenshots from his social media accounts have surfaced, showing him attending protests against Trump, which adds a layer of complexity to the investigation. Sheriff McNeil stated that Ikner had access to his mother’s service weapon, which was found at the scene of the shooting. He mentioned, “Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.”
In a resurfaced article from FSU News, Ikner was quoted discussing Trump's inauguration, saying, “I think it’s a little too late, he’s [Trump] 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.” This statement raises questions about his motivations, although no clear motive has been established for the shooting.
As the investigation continues, the FSU community is grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. Students and faculty are encouraged to reach out for mental health support, and local organizations are rallying to provide assistance. FAMU is also offering mental health resources on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as Ikner arrived on campus and began firing. One student recalled seeing Ikner, who was wearing an orange T-shirt and khaki shorts, get out of an orange Hummer with a rifle. “I was walking and this guy pulls up in an orange Hummer, and he gets out with a rifle and shoots in my direction,” the student recounted.
The shooting at FSU is part of a troubling trend of gun violence on college campuses across the United States. As communities mourn the loss of life and grapple with the trauma of such incidents, the need for comprehensive discussions about gun control and mental health resources becomes increasingly urgent.
In light of this tragedy, community leaders and mental health professionals are emphasizing the importance of support systems for those affected. The Downtown Community Church, which opened its doors for anyone needing to talk, is one of many local organizations stepping up to help. They have encouraged community members to reach out through social media for support.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about how Ikner obtained the weapon and what could have been done to prevent this tragedy. Sheriff McNeil confirmed that Ikner had been involved in training programs offered by the sheriff's office, which may have contributed to his access to firearms.
In the wake of the shooting, many are calling for a reevaluation of policies regarding gun access and mental health support for students. The FSU administration is under pressure to address these issues and provide a safe environment for its approximately 45,000 students.
As the community mourns, it is crucial to remember the victims and support their families during this difficult time. The impact of the shooting will be felt long after the immediate aftermath, and the FSU community is determined to come together to heal.
While the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting those affected by the tragedy and finding ways to prevent future incidents. The need for action is clear, and the voices of students, faculty, and community members will play a vital role in shaping the future of campus safety.
