FSU shooting: 2 killed and 6 wounded; suspect in custody | AP News
In a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence, Florida State University (FSU) was rocked by a campus shooting on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The gunman, now identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, opened fire near the student union, killing two people and injuring six others. Authorities confirmed that the weapon used belonged to his mother, Jessica Ikner, a veteran sheriff’s deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
Who Was the FSU Shooter?
Police named Phoenix Ikner, a current FSU student, as the shooter. According to authorities, he used a firearm belonging to his mother, who has served in law enforcement for over 18 years. The tragic twist? The very tools meant to protect the community were used in this devastating act.
Sheriff Walt McNeil called Jessica Ikner’s service “tremendous” and emphasized that an investigation is underway to determine exactly how her weapon became accessible to her son. At this time, authorities believe Phoenix acted alone.
💬 “There is no further threat to our community at this point,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell.
What Happened on the Day of the Shooting?
The shooting began around 11:50 a.m. near one of the most active parts of campus—the student union. Chaos erupted as students ran for safety. Witnesses say it didn’t feel real—like a scene straight out of a school shooter drill.
William Schatz, an FSU senior, was preparing for a presentation in the library when the incident unfolded. “I saw people running, and I ran too,” he told Fox News Digital. That instinct may have saved his life.
Another student, Ben Veytsman, had just left a therapy session when he heard shots nearby. “It looked like two people chasing each other, but then I heard someone yell, ‘There’s a school shooter!’ And that’s when it hit me—it was real.”
A Swift Response from Law Enforcement
Thanks to the close proximity of federal law enforcement offices, FBI agents and ATF officers arrived on the scene within minutes. Authorities “neutralized” the suspect and rushed him to a hospital.
The quick action likely prevented further bloodshed. Law enforcement officials were praised for their fast and coordinated response.
Former NYPD Lieutenant Darrin Porcher described the response as “tremendously great.”
Victims and Aftermath: A Campus in Mourning
The two victims killed in the FSU shooting were not students, though authorities haven’t yet released their names. The community held an impromptu vigil near the crime scene that evening—yellow tape still fluttering as candles, flowers, and heart-shaped balloons were placed by grieving students.
FSU President Richard McCullough released a heartfelt message:
“We mourn together. We lean on one another. We are Florida State. We are family.”
Classes were canceled through Friday, and all athletic events in Tallahassee were suspended for the weekend. The school community, deeply shaken, now begins the painful journey of healing.
How Did the Shooter Get Access to the Gun?
One of the biggest questions people are asking is: How did Phoenix Ikner access his mother’s service weapon? Sheriff McNeil confirmed that one of the weapons found at the scene belonged to Deputy Jessica Ikner, and that the investigation is ongoing.
In situations involving family members of law enforcement, securing weapons becomes not just policy—but a life-saving measure. This incident may very well spark national conversations around gun safety in police households.
Witness Accounts Paint a Picture of Fear and Confusion
Student Cole Summers was grabbing food at Panera when he heard a group of girls whispering about a gun. Moments later, shots rang out. “I just ran out the back of the union,” he said.
Another student, Christopher Malave, said he simply felt blessed to have made it home. “I truly believe God protected me today.”
These deeply personal stories bring the statistics to life—and highlight the trauma students now carry with them.
What Happens Next?
Authorities continue their investigation while FSU remains an active crime scene. The FBI’s Jacksonville office is still collecting public tips and surveillance footage to piece together the full timeline of events.
FSU leadership has vowed transparency and regular updates. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other leaders, including Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, have offered prayers and support, stressing that public safety remains a top priority.
Why This Story Matters
Mass shootings are no longer isolated events. They hit close to home. This time, it happened at a place of learning—a university that should feel safe.
The fact that a law enforcement weapon was used in this attack raises critical questions about gun storage, mental health, and family dynamics within law enforcement homes. As this story unfolds, we must hold space for both accountability and healing.
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