On April 17, 2025, Florida State University (FSU) experienced a tragic shooting incident on its Tallahassee campus, resulting in two fatalities and several injuries. The suspect, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, has been identified as the shooter and is the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy.

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed the identity of Ikner in a news conference, describing the incident as a “heinous crime.” Sheriff McNeil noted that Deputy Ikner, Phoenix’s mother, had served with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years, emphasizing her exceptional service to the community. Unfortunately, he explained, her son had access to one of her service weapons, which was discovered at the scene.

Details of the Incident

During the shooting, which unfolded near the student union at FSU, authorities reported that two people lost their lives, neither of whom were students at the university. Six additional individuals suffered from gunshot wounds and were subsequently treated at local hospitals. The shooter, who also sustained injuries, was taken into custody after being transported to a medical facility.

Investigation and Law Enforcement Response

The Tallahassee Police Chief, Lawrence Revell, provided updates on the ongoing investigation, indicating that officers responded quickly to multiple crime scenes. Revell stated, “We have identified the shooter. He’s at the hospital.” However, he disclosed that Ikner did not cooperate with law enforcement efforts at the scene.

Moreover, Revell confirmed that the weapon involved was a personal handgun belonging to his mother, indicating that law enforcement officers can retain their personal firearms during transitions to new equipment.

Community Impact and Reactions

In light of the incident, FSU officials issued alerts on their website advising students and staff to shelter in place while police responded to the active shooter situation. Eyewitness accounts described the harrowing scene, with students evacuating buildings with their hands raised as police secured the area.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his condolences and support for the FSU community, stating, “Our prayers are with our FSU family, and state law enforcement is actively responding.” The Florida Department of Law Enforcement emphasized their commitment to providing updates as the situation developed.