Shooter identified as Phoenix Ikner, son of a sheriff’s deputy; campus on lockdown as FSU mourns deadliest shooting in recent years
April 18, 2025 | Tallahassee, Florida – A tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday afternoon claimed two lives and injured five others after a former student, Phoenix Ikner, opened fire on campus using a weapon allegedly belonging to his mother—a local sheriff’s deputy.
Ikner, 20, was hospitalized after being shot by law enforcement. His current condition remains unknown.
🔍 What We Know So Far:
- Shooter: Phoenix Ikner, ex-FSU student, son of Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy
- Fatalities: Two people confirmed dead (not students)
- Injured: Five others hospitalized
- Weapon: Former service weapon of the suspect’s mother
- Campus: Locked down; all classes canceled
- Response: Shooter neutralized; ongoing investigation by local authorities
“A Tragic Day for Florida State University”
FSU President Richard McCullough addressed the community:
“We’re absolutely heartbroken. The university is working to support all students, faculty, and staff affected by this horrific act.”
Students reported chaos near the student union as the sound of gunfire sent people running for cover. Footage shared online showed individuals evacuating with hands raised. One eyewitness recalled hearing eight to ten shots.
Also Read: US Citizen Killed on Tropic Air flight After Attempted Plane Hijacking in Belize
🗣️ Eyewitness Accounts
“Everyone just started running. It was surreal,” said student Wayne, who witnessed the attack unfold outside the union.
Another student, Sam Swartz, shared how he and a group barricaded themselves with trash cans and plywood, trying to survive.
🔫 Gun Access and America’s Mass Shooting Crisis
Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed the weapon used was tied to his department:
“Her son had access to one of her old service weapons… It’s not a surprise given his training background.”
This incident adds to the growing toll of gun violence in the U.S. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this marks the 81st mass shooting in the country in 2025.
🗨️ President Trump’s Response
President Donald Trump called the attack “a horrible thing” but stood firm on gun rights:
“The gun doesn’t do the shooting — the people do. I’m a big advocate of the Second Amendment.”
📌 Tags:
Florida State University shooting, FSU mass shooting, Phoenix Ikner shooter, gun violence in America, Tallahassee campus lockdown, Second Amendment debate, school shooting USA 2025, campus security FSU, Leon County sheriff, mass shootings April 2025, gun control vs gun rights, Donald Trump on gun laws