Incident Overview

On Thursday morning, Florida State University (FSU) experienced a tragic shooting on its campus. As reported by the authorities, two individuals lost their lives, while five others were hospitalized, including the suspected shooter. The police identified the alleged gunman as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old current student at FSU and the son of a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

Timeline of Events

At approximately 11:58 a.m., an emergency alert was issued by FSU indicating an active shooter near the Student Union, prompting immediate calls for the campus community to take shelter.

Key Details:

• Two victims, believed not to be students, have been confirmed deceased.
• Five individuals are currently receiving medical treatment.
• The shooter was taken into custody and is under medical care.
• A firearm was recovered from the incident scene.

Press Conference and Official Statements

Authorities held a press conference at 4:30 p.m. to provide updates on the incident. Tallahassee Police confirmed that the threat had been neutralized and advised individuals to stay away from several buildings that are now classified as crime scenes.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his condolences via social media, stating, “Our prayers are with our FSU family, and state law enforcement is actively responding.” This sentiment was echoed in various communications as the community grappled with the event’s aftermath.

Reactions and Campus Response

Classes and university activities have been suspended through Friday, April 18. Essential staff are to coordinate with supervisors for specific instructions. Support services, including counseling, are being provided at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center for students and their families.

Student Experiences

Students described a chaotic scene with many fleeing for safety. Ryan Cedergren, a student on campus during the shooting, shared, “It felt like a war zone.” Witnesses reported a significant presence of emergency responders soon after the shooting was reported.

Historical Context of Campus Safety

This incident marks the second significant shooting event at FSU, following a previous shooting in 2014 at the Strozier Library, which resulted in injuries. The university has since intensified its commitment to campus safety and the well-being of students.