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Shooting Incident at Florida State University

Emergency response at Florida State University

News Summary

A tragic shooting at Florida State University has left two dead and six others injured, prompting a campus-wide lockdown. The alleged shooter, a 20-year-old known for community involvement, was also injured. Authorities are investigating the incident, raising concerns about gun access and safety in academic environments. The FSU administration is providing mental health resources for students affected by the trauma of this event, reminiscent of past school shootings, as the community seeks to heal and understand the long-term implications.

Tallahassee, Florida — A shooting at Florida State University (FSU) occurred around lunchtime on April 17, 2025, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries. The alleged gunman, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, reportedly the son of a local sheriff’s deputy, was also shot during the incident and is receiving medical treatment. The two deceased individuals have been confirmed not to be students of FSU, and their identities have not yet been disclosed by authorities.

Six people injured in the shooting were treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, with several reported to be in critical condition. The shooting prompted an immediate campus-wide lockdown, urging students to shelter in place as authorities responded to the active shooter alert. Eyewitness reports describe a chaotic scene as students fled from the sound of multiple gunshots.

The weapon used in the shooting was a handgun that had been the service weapon of Ikner’s stepmother, Jessica Ikner, who serves as a sheriff’s deputy. This revelation raises serious questions about how the young man gained access to the firearm. Ikner was previously known to be involved in community programs, including serving on the Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council, thus contributing to the discussion surrounding his access to weapons.

The police response to the unfolding situation was swift, with officers arriving shortly after the first shots were fired. The incident marks the second shooting in FSU’s history; the first occurred in 2015 at the Strozier Library. As a result of the shooting, the FSU administration has canceled all classes and campus events for the day.

In the wake of the tragedy, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump expressed condolences and concern, highlighting the far-reaching emotional impact of the incident. Many students on campus have voiced feelings of fear and anxiety, relating the shooting to a broader concern about gun violence in educational settings, reminiscent of the Parkland shooting in 2018.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with both the FBI and local law enforcement actively involved. Officials are treating the event as a serious, developing situation. Witnesses noted that Ikner appeared to blend in with typical college students prior to the shooting, further complicating the narrative surrounding this incident.

This shooting has rekindled critical discussions about gun legislation and the prevalence of gun violence in America, particularly within school environments. Many in the community are grappling with the emotional aftermath of the event, recalling past school shootings and the impact they have had on student mental health.

The administration at FSU is actively working to provide counseling and resources to students affected by the shooting, recognizing the importance of addressing mental well-being in the face of such traumatic events. As students navigate this period of uncertainty and anxiety, the long-term implications of the shooting are yet to be fully understood, but the community remains shaken and united in response to this alarming incident.