Florida State University (FSU) was rocked by tragedy on Thursday when a 20-year-old gunman opened fire on campus, killing two people and wounding six others before being apprehended by police.
The suspect, identified as Phoenix Ikner, is the son of a Leon County deputy sheriff. Authorities confirmed that Ikner had access to his mother’s personal firearm—a handgun she had purchased from the department after it was decommissioned as her service weapon.
“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons that was found at the scene,” Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil stated during a press conference.
The shooting began around 11:50 a.m. near the student union building on FSU’s campus in Tallahassee. Witnesses reported chaos as students and faculty were instructed to shelter in place. Max Jenkins, a student who witnessed the event, recounted, “He saw the maintenance guy who was waving everybody and I guess heard him probably and turned and shot that way. There’s a golf cart over here with a bullet hole in it.”
Among the victims, the two fatalities were not students at the university. Details about the wounded individuals have not been disclosed. The wounded, along with the gunman who was shot by officers after failing to surrender, were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Chris Pento, who was visiting the campus with his children, described the frightening moments when shots rang out inside the student union. “It was surreal, people started running. She just got trampled over,” he told local media, referring to his daughter.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack. In addition to the handgun, it’s believed that Ikner brought a shotgun onto campus, though it remains unclear if it was used during the incident.
FSU’s Chief of Police, Jason Trumbower, assured the community that the suspect acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” he said.
This incident marks the second shooting on FSU’s campus in over a decade. In 2014, a similar event occurred when a graduate opened fire at the main library, injuring three people.
Mass shootings at educational institutions have become a grave concern across the United States. Earlier this year, tragic events unfolded at Michigan State University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
As FSU mourns the loss of life and begins the healing process, students and faculty are encouraged to utilize campus counseling services. The university community stands united in the face of tragedy, seeking solace and strength together.
