Two individuals lost their lives and six others sustained injuries during a shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, on Thursday, April 17. The incident began at approximately 11:50 a.m. near the campus student union, prompting a university-wide lockdown.
Authorities identified the suspected shooter as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student at FSU, during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. Ikner was taken to a local hospital after being subdued by law enforcement. It was confirmed by the police that Ikner is the step-son of Jessica Ikner, a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, who has served for over 18 years.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil acknowledged Deputy Ikner’s commendable service to the community. However, he mentioned that her son had accessed one of her firearms, which was later found at the scene.
Officials reported that neither of the deceased was an FSU student. The six injured were transported to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, with at least one person in critical condition.
“There is no further threat to our community at this point,” Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.
On Thursday evening, students held a vigil for the victims. Numerous flower bouquets, candles, and heart-shaped balloons were placed at the scene, while students gathered in remembrance as the investigation continued behind police tape.
FSU student William Schatz recounted being in the library preparing for a presentation when the shooting happened. Schatz mentioned that upon seeing people running, he followed suit and commended first responders for their swift action.
Another student, Christopher Malave, was in the student union during the incident. He expressed relief at reaching home safely and shared that he was trying to process the event in the hours that followed.
Cole Summers, an FSU student dining at Panera in the student union, described hearing a group of girls mention a gun just before hearing gunfire. Summers said he immediately fled and heard more shots coming from the union entrance as he escaped.
Sophomore Ben Veytsman was near the Thagard Building when he heard gunfire after finishing an appointment. Veytsman described seeing someone running and warning others about the shooting. He took refuge in a staff lounge before being safely escorted out.
Veytsman told reporters that the experience felt surreal, likening it to a school shooter drill rather than an actual emergency.
Sources familiar with Ikner noted that he previously attended a political discourse club at Tallahassee State College before transferring to FSU. Ikner was known for expressing extreme far-right and white supremacist political views, which led to discomfort among club members and his eventual removal from the group.
Ikner, a supporter of Trump, was reportedly quoted in an FSU student newspaper article regarding anti-Trump protests in January, prior to President Trump’s inauguration. Investigations into Ikner’s background and motives are ongoing, with authorities noting that he has chosen not to speak to investigators.
The FBI quickly dispatched agents from its nearby Tallahassee field office to the scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Tampa office also confirmed its involvement in the investigation. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed the bureau’s presence at FSU, stating he was receiving updates about the situation while en route to Washington, D.C.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed support on social media, stating, “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi noted that the FBI was on the scene and in communication with agents on the ground.
FSU canceled all classes through Friday and suspended athletic events in Tallahassee over the weekend. FSU President Richard McCullough called the shooting a “tragic and senseless act of violence” in a statement.
The FSU Tallahassee campus covers about 1,200 acres with 403 buildings. The university serves more than 44,300 students and employs over 16,000 people, according to its website.
