Florida State University Mass Shooting: 2 Dead, 6 Injured

A Florida State University mass shooting has left two people dead and at least six others injured, including one in critical condition. The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, was shot and wounded by police after opening fire near the student union on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Authorities confirmed that the shooter used a former service weapon belonging to his mother, a long-time deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

What We Know So Far

• Time and location: The shooting began shortly after noon near the student union.
• Casualties: Two people were killed (neither were FSU students), and six others were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, one in critical condition.
• Shooter’s identity: Phoenix Ikner, reportedly a Florida State student and former member of the sheriff’s youth advisory council.
• Weapon used: A handgun that once belonged to his mother, a long-time Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
• Response: Police shot the suspect after he refused to drop his weapon. He is currently in custody.

Eye-Witness Accounts: ‘I Got Lucky Today’

Several students described scenes of panic and confusion:

• Aidan Stickney, 21, said he saw the shooter exit a car with a shotgun (which jammed) before switching to a handgun and opening fire on a woman.
• Students and parents hid in a bowling alley, barricaded doors, and crammed into a freight elevator to avoid the shooter.
• Ryan Cedergren, 21, called it pure “survival,” recalling hiding with 30 others before police led them to safety.
• Visitors, like Chris Pento, who was on a tour with his children, said it was “surreal” as people sprinted away from the student union.

Campus on Lockdown, Classes Cancelled

Florida State immediately issued an active shooter alert. Students and staff across the campus sheltered in place for hours.

Police confirmed by 3 p.m. that the threat had been neutralized, but the student union remained an active crime scene throughout the day. Students who fled the area waited outside to retrieve their belongings—phones, keys, and bags left behind during the chaos.

All classes, events, and athletic games have been canceled through the weekend.

A Community in Shock

University President Richard McCullough called the attack heartbreaking, adding: “Our hearts go out to our students and the victims of this terrible tragedy.”

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the incident from the White House, saying, “It’s a horrible thing,” while maintaining his stance against new gun legislation.

As night fell, students and staff created a small memorial of candles and flowers outside the union building.

Not the First Tragedy on Campus

Florida State University, home to over 44,000 students, experienced a similar shooting in 2014, when a gunman opened fire at the main library, injuring three. Officers killed that shooter on the scene.

This is a developing story. For verified updates, visit FSU’s official emergency site or follow Tallahassee Police and Leon County Sheriff’s Office on social media.

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/florida-state-shooting-1.7513544
• https://edition.cnn.com/us/live-news/fsu-campus-shooting-04-17-25/index.html
• https://abcnews.go.com/US/video/analyzing-fsu-mass-shooting-response-former-police-chief-120934883