On Thursday, just before noon, a series of gunshots erupted near the Florida State University (FSU) student union, prompting students to flee the campus in search of safety as emergency sirens blared. The situation escalated quickly, with police responding just two minutes after 911 calls reported the shooting. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was shot by university police and taken into custody shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, the incident resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals and left five others injured, sending shockwaves through the FSU community.
FSU President Richard McCullough praised the swift action of law enforcement during a news conference, stating, “The call went out, someone called it in, and immediately they responded to the scene and immediately neutralized the suspect, preventing this from being a bigger tragedy.” The rapid response by police was crucial in mitigating what could have been a far worse situation. As details surrounding the shooter emerged, Tallahassee police began investigating the motive behind this shocking act.
The alleged shooter, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, is an FSU student and the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy. Police have reported that there appear to be no connections between Ikner and the victims. Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell stated, “We will continue to vet that out...but at this current time, there does not appear to be any connection between the shooter and even one of the victims.” Ikner sustained serious injuries during the incident and is expected to remain hospitalized for an extended period before being moved to a local detention facility, where he will face charges that may include first-degree murder.
Among the deceased were two individuals: a university dining coordinator and an employee of a campus vendor. The identities of the five wounded victims have not yet been released. However, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare confirmed that six patients hospitalized due to the shooting are currently in stable condition and are expected to make a full recovery. President McCullough, who visited the victims at the hospital, expressed the emotional toll of the incident, stating, “They’re all hurting and in pain and scared, but are doing remarkably well.”
This incident marks Florida's sixth mass shooting of the year and the 81st in the United States, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The tragedy comes seven years after the horrific mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which resulted in the loss of 17 lives. Chief Revell commented on the fear surrounding such random acts of violence, saying, “As a father of several children, this is the thing we fear most.”
The shooting unfolded in less than five minutes. Ikner arrived at an FSU parking garage at approximately 11 a.m. and remained in the vicinity for about an hour, intermittently returning to his vehicle. Around 11:56 a.m., the first shots were fired. Ikner, allegedly armed with a former service weapon of his father, entered multiple buildings and open areas, firing indiscriminately. By 11:58 a.m., as students barricaded doors and reached out to loved ones, numerous 911 calls reported an active shooter on campus. According to Chief Revell, the suspect “did not comply with commands,” and by noon, law enforcement had subdued and arrested him.
Phoenix Ikner, a junior majoring in political science at FSU, had deep ties to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, having participated in various training programs. Sheriff Walter McNeil stated, “It’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons.” Ikner transferred to FSU from Tallahassee State College, where he had completed an associate degree. Reports from current and former students indicated that Ikner often expressed extreme views that made his peers uncomfortable during discussions.
A vigil was held for the victims, Robert Morales, a dedicated university employee, and Tiru Chabba, a loving father of two. University officials expressed the profound impact of their loss, stating, “They were deeply loved, and their absences leave a void that cannot be filled.” A memorial with balloons, flowers, and messages of support was set up near the student union in their honor. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Monday to commemorate the lives lost in this tragedy.
In response to the shooting, Florida State University has canceled all home athletics events through Sunday, including games for their nationally ranked baseball and softball teams, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event.
