TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, April 17, 2025, when a 20-year-old named Phoenix Ikner, the son of a sheriff's deputy, opened fire with his mother’s former service handgun. The shooting resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to at least six others. The incident occurred around lunchtime just outside the student union, leading panicked students and parents to seek refuge in nearby locations.
According to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell, officers responded promptly to the scene and engaged the shooter after he failed to comply with their commands, resulting in him being shot and wounded. Investigators have yet to disclose a motive for the shooting. Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed that the victims were not FSU students, although further details were not provided regarding their identities.
The shooter gained access to a weapon that belonged to his mother, a seasoned employee of the Leon County Sheriff's Office for over 18 years. Sheriff Walt McNeil stated that the handgun was kept for personal use after the department's transition to newer firearms. Ikner had been actively involved in the sheriff's office youth advisory council and had participated in various training programs, indicating he had some familiarity with firearms.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the gunfire erupted. Aidan Stickney, a 21-year-old business management student, reported witnessing Ikner exit a vehicle with a shotgun aimed at another man. The weapon jammed, prompting Ikner to retreat to his car and emerge with a handgun, opening fire on a nearby woman. Stickney alerted others while calling 911, expressing relief that he managed to escape the situation unharmed.
Ryan Cedergren, also 21, recounted hiding in a bowling alley with about 30 other people after witnessing students fleeing in terror. He emphasized that the only thought during that moment was survival. Chris Pento, who was touring the campus with his twins, described the panic as they heard gunfire and sought shelter in a service elevator, overwhelmed by fear of potential escalation.
Authorities responded swiftly, with numerous ambulances and police vehicles arriving at the campus, just west of the Florida state capital. Tallahassee Memorial Hospital later confirmed that six victims were being treated, including one in critical condition.
The shooting reverberated beyond the university’s grounds, reaching national attention. President Donald Trump, addressing the media from the Oval Office, expressed his sorrow over the incident but suggested that he would not advocate for new gun legislation, attributing blame predominantly to individuals rather than firearms themselves.
On the FSU campus, alarmed students and faculty took cover in various buildings as active shooter alerts were issued. Many were left in disbelief, grappling with the reality of the alarming situation unfolding around them. University President Richard McCullough expressed heartfelt condolences for the victims and their families, calling the event a terrible tragedy. He also announced the cancellation of classes for the rest of the week and all remaining athletic events through Sunday, as the university community began to process the shock of what had taken place.
As the sun set over the campus, a small memorial of candles and flowers emerged outside the student union, serving as a poignant reminder and tribute to those affected. The incident sparked memories of a previous shooting at FSU in 2014, which further highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding gun violence in educational institutions.
