TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, April 17, 2025, left two people dead and at least six others wounded, prompting a massive law enforcement response and a campus lockdown. The incident unfolded just before noon around the student union building, a central hub for student activity on the bustling campus.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, is believed to be a current student at FSU and the son of a Leon County sheriff's deputy. The weapon used in the shooting was a former service handgun belonging to his mother, who has worked with the sheriff’s office for over 18 years. Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil confirmed that Ikner had access to the weapon due to his close ties with the sheriff's office, where he had been involved in training programs.
FSU President Richard McCullough expressed his heartbreak over the violence, stating, "This is a tragic day for Florida State University. We are absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today." The two deceased victims were not students at the university, and the six injured individuals are receiving treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, with one in critical condition.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as students attempted to flee. Aidan Stickney, a 21-year-old business management major, recounted seeing Ikner exit a vehicle armed with a shotgun before switching to a handgun and opening fire. Stickney, who was running late to class, managed to escape and alert others while calling 911. "I got lucky today. I really did," he said.
University police chief Jason Trumbower reported that the shooting began around 11:50 a.m. and that the authorities quickly responded to neutralize the threat. Officers confronted Ikner, who reportedly did not comply with their commands, leading to him being shot by police. He is currently receiving medical attention.
The campus was placed on lockdown as law enforcement secured the area, and students were advised to shelter in place. Alerts were sent out urging students to avoid the student union and surrounding buildings, which remained active crime scenes for several hours. Classes and university events were canceled through Friday, and the university is preparing for its commencement ceremony set for May 2-3, 2025.
In the wake of the shooting, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "Our prayers are with our FSU family. State law enforcement is actively responding to the shooting." The FBI has also been involved, assisting local authorities in the investigation.
Students reported hearing alarms blaring and seeing police officers escorting them from buildings, creating a surreal atmosphere on campus. Jake Nair, a senior, described how he was studying in the library when he heard the alarm and witnessed officers rushing outside with their weapons drawn. "It’s the kind of thing you only see on the news," he remarked.
For some, this incident brought back memories of a previous shooting at FSU in 2014, when three people were shot at the Strozier Library. The gunman in that case, Myron May, was killed by police shortly after the attack.
As the investigation continues, officials have called for anyone with information or footage related to the shooting to come forward. Sheriff McNeil emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, stating, "This is obviously a heinous crime. We will make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say across the state and across this nation."
The incident has reignited discussions about gun violence and campus safety. President Trump, who was briefed on the situation, commented on the shooting, calling it "a shame" but refrained from advocating for any new gun control measures, stating, "The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do."
As the FSU community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, many students and staff are left in shock, reflecting on the impact of gun violence and the need for safety measures on campus. Fred Guttenberg, who lost his daughter in the Parkland shooting, expressed his sorrow over the incident, noting that some of Jaime's surviving classmates now attend FSU. "Sadly, because of the many people who refuse to do the right things about reducing gun violence, I am not surprised by what happened today," he wrote.
This shooting marks yet another dark chapter in the ongoing struggle against gun violence in the United States, leaving many to wonder what can be done to prevent such tragedies in the future.
