In a shocking incident that has left the Florida State University (FSU) community reeling, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner has been identified as the suspect in a mass shooting that occurred on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The shooting, which took place near the university’s student union, resulted in the deaths of two individuals who were not students and injuries to at least five others.
According to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, Ikner, who is the son of a local sheriff’s deputy, had access to his mother’s service weapon. The gun used in the shooting was one that belonged to his mother, Jessica Ikner, who has served with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for over 18 years. Sheriff McNeil stated during a press conference, “Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.”
Police reports indicate that Ikner was also found in possession of a shotgun on campus, although it remains unclear if he used it during the attack. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with some stating that the shooter initially fired a rifle-shaped weapon before switching to a pistol. As the gunfire erupted, students and faculty were forced to take cover, with many sheltering in a bowling alley and cramming into freight elevators to escape the violence.
The incident began shortly before noon when FSU issued an alert about an active shooter on campus. The first alert was sent out at 12:01 p.m. ET, warning students to seek shelter and stay away from windows and doors. By 1:45 p.m., Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare reported treating six patients, with one in critical condition and the others in serious condition. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting law enforcement to respond immediately to neutralize the threat.
In a statement, Sheriff McNeil confirmed that the shooter was apprehended by police after they arrived on the scene. “Law enforcement had neutralized the threat,” he confirmed, urging students and staff to avoid the student union and other areas still considered active crime scenes.
Ikner, who is believed to be enrolled at FSU, has not been cooperating with the ongoing investigation. He is currently hospitalized following the incident. The university has canceled all classes and events through Friday, April 18, 2025, in the wake of the shooting. Florida State University, which has around 44,000 students, has experienced gun violence before, including a shooting in 2014 at the main library that injured three people.
In the aftermath of the shooting, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and concern during an Oval Office meeting, stating, “It’s a horrible thing. It’s horrible that things like this take place.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also offered his prayers to the FSU community, emphasizing the active response from state law enforcement.
The shooting has sparked discussions about gun access and safety, especially given Ikner’s connection to law enforcement through his mother. He was noted to be involved with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council, aimed at fostering better relationships between law enforcement and the youth in the community. This background raises questions about how someone with such connections could carry out such a violent act.
As the investigation continues, authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the motive behind Ikner’s actions and how he gained access to multiple firearms. Sheriff McNeil has stated that they are examining all aspects of the case to understand better what led to this tragic event.
Students on campus have expressed their shock and disbelief, with many recounting their experiences during the lockdown. One student, McKenzie Heeter, described the moment she saw the gunman exit his vehicle and open fire. “I think he was shooting and he missed. So he goes back into his car and grabs a pistol, then he turns and shoots the lady in front of him. That’s when I just started running,” she recounted.
The incident has reignited conversations around gun control and campus safety, particularly as universities across the nation grapple with the realities of gun violence. The FSU shooting is among the latest in a series of mass shootings that have plagued educational institutions, highlighting the urgent need for effective policies and preventive measures.
In a broader context, mass shootings in the United States have become alarmingly frequent. Some of the most tragic incidents in recent history include the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007, which resulted in 32 deaths, and the Michigan State University shooting in 2023, which claimed the lives of three students. Each incident has raised questions about gun laws, mental health support, and the effectiveness of emergency response protocols.
As the FSU community mourns the loss of life and supports those injured, the focus will inevitably turn to how to prevent such tragedies in the future. The university, along with local authorities, is expected to implement measures aimed at enhancing safety and ensuring that students feel secure on campus.
In the wake of this tragic event, it is crucial for the community to come together, support one another, and seek answers to prevent future occurrences. The investigation into the shooting will likely take time, but the hope remains that lessons learned will lead to meaningful changes that prioritize safety and well-being for all students.
