TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A tragic incident at Florida State University (FSU) resulted in the death of two individuals after a gunman, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, opened fire Thursday around noon near the Student Union. FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed during a press briefing that at least six others were hospitalized following the attack.
Trumbower reported that the assailant, who is believed to be a student at FSU, was also hospitalized. The identities of the two deceased have not been disclosed, but authorities indicated that they were not students of the university.
Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil revealed at the news conference that the shooter was the son of a Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy, who has served the community for over 18 years. McNeil emphasized that Deputy Ikner, whose first name was not mentioned, had an exemplary record of service. According to McNeil, the firearm used in the shooting belonged to Deputy Ikner and was a former service weapon.
The university community was shaken as the incident unfolded during the early afternoon hours, triggering a “shelter in place” alert that lasted for several hours. Law enforcement officials canvassed the campus, ensuring the safety of all students and faculty before declaring the site secure shortly after 3 p.m.
Classes and all university operations were immediately suspended through Friday, April 18, as part of the response to ensure campus safety and provide time for investigation. The shooting occurs just weeks before the scheduled commencement ceremonies set for May 2 and May 3.
Eyewitness accounts from the scene painted a chaotic picture as multiple injured victims were attended to by emergency services outside the Student Union. Reports emerged of at least one individual being restrained and taken away by police.
Students across campus were visibly distressed, many using their phones to contact loved ones or seek updates. In the vicinity of the music school, groups of students gathered, some in tears, others comforting their peers, awaiting further information from university officials or law enforcement.
Amidst the chaos, some students found refuge in unlikely places. Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications major, recounted moments of terror as he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley beneath the student union. After approximately 15 minutes, university police safely escorted them out. Outside, Cedergren observed emergency medical teams providing critical care.
Further adding to the gravity of the situation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his concern over the event, extending his prayers to the FSU community via social media and affirming the state’s active involvement in the law enforcement response.
This event marks another sorrowful chapter in FSU’s history with gun violence, following a 2014 shooting at FSU’s Strozier Library, which resulted in three injuries and the death of the gunman, an FSU alumnus.
In reaction to Thursday’s shooting, nearby Florida A&M University also took the precaution of canceling classes and student activities for the remainder of the day.
Authorities and university officials have urged anyone with information or visual evidence pertinent to the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation. The FBI specifically requested submissions of pictures and videos related to the event through their dedicated webpage.