Tragedy Strikes FSU Campus: Two Dead, Several Injured in Shooting

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/AP) - A devastating event unfolded Thursday at Florida State University, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and landing several others in the hospital after a shooting incident allegedly perpetrated by the son of a local sheriff’s deputy.

In a press briefing Thursday afternoon, authorities confirmed that six people, including the suspected shooter, are receiving treatment. The suspect has been identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, officials state.

FSU Police have reported that the deceased individuals are not students. As of Thursday afternoon, no further information regarding the victims was released by authorities.

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil named Ikner, who is the son of a local school’s resource deputy, as part of a long-standing youth advisory group within the sheriff’s office.

“This crime is grievously tragic. The entire community is shocked by this person’s actions.” - Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil

At the crime scene, one weapon, previously used by Ikner’s mother, an LCSO deputy, was discovered. Sheriff McNeil noted it was a former LCSO firearm, now a personal weapon owned by the deputy.

The investigation into this harrowing event continues, but as of Thursday, Deputy Jessica Ikner remains active in her duties without being placed on leave or probation.

The updated details about the suspect and victims were discussed in a 4:30 p.m. press conference, following initial reports of the shooting.

The shooter was first reported near the Student Union just before noon. About two hours later, a suspect was taken into custody, according to the Associated Press.

Officials revealed that the shooter refused to comply when commanded to surrender, leading officers to fire at him. It remains undisclosed how many shots were fired or the number of officers involved.

The Tallahassee Police Department spearheads the investigation related to the murders and the “officer-involved shooting,” Chief Lawrence Revell explained.

Authorities urged everyone at Florida State to stay indoors and await further instructions while law enforcement units flooded the campus area with officials from FSU Police, Tallahassee Police, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Citizens were advised to “lock and stay clear from all doors and windows and be prepared for additional protective measures,” according to the issued alert.

As of 3:15 p.m., TPD reported that “campus is now secured.”

The Tallahassee Police Department set up a “student reunification point” at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, as noted in their social media announcement. University officials confirmed support services are accessible there.

In a remarkable rescue, students and faculty were ushered out of buildings with raised hands. FSU buses carried survivors from the densely patrolled campus, ensuring their safety away from the ongoing police operations.

The streets leading to the historic FSU campus buzzed with activity as numerous squad cars, fire engines, and ambulances raced down Tennessee Street. By 5 p.m., the heavy law enforcement presence began to recede.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation also responded to the site, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi reported.

The community is urged not to return to the campus for any belongings left behind during the shooting due to ongoing investigations in certain areas.

Further details on the event’s progression are surfacing. A graduate student recounted witnessing a young man with a handgun leaving the Student Union.

Witnesses inside the Student Union told WCTV they heard 15 to 20 gunshots, prompting them to seek refuge in a nearby church.

FSU senior Gabriel Santoro was in class, presenting this unexpected emergency situation.

During a classmate’s presentation, another student recognized people rushing outside—an emergency alert confirmed their fears.

“We all realized something serious was happening,” Santoro said. “We barricaded the door with desks.”

Chris Pento, visiting Tallahassee with his twins for a campus tour, described the chaos as shots interrupted their lunch plans.

“It felt surreal seeing people, my kids included, scrambling and getting trampled,” Pento shared.

Seeking safety, Pento and about 50 others crowded into a service elevator, where they were met by armed officers upon exit.

“I’m praying for the wounded and sincerely hope we can learn from this tragedy,” a student said to a WCTV reporter.

The impact of this catastrophe resonated across Florida and nationwide on Thursday.

Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his sorrow in a social media post, affirming, “Our prayers are with the FSU community, and state law enforcement is actively engaged.”

“We stand united with Florida State University,” DeSantis declared. “Today, we are all Seminoles.”

President Donald Trump also addressed the incident, labeling it as a “horrific occurrence” and promised further commentary soon.

In Tallahassee, the healthcare community is focused on assisting those affected by the shooting.

Shortly before 12:50 p.m., a Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare representative communicated that the facility is actively caring for multiple patients resulting from the FSU incident—noting that specific information remains pending, but their commitment to high-quality care continues.

The representative emphasized coordinating with emergency services and ensured ongoing communication respecting patient privacy and data accuracy.

State Representative Gallop Franklin, D-District 8, extended gratitude towards responders for their prompt intervention Thursday.

“It’s a concerning period for FSU and the broader Tallahassee community,” the representative’s statement acknowledged.

Many express disbelief and confusion at the tragedy.

“Why does this keep happening? I can’t wrap my head around it,” Santoro admitted.

Following the incident, FSU has temporarily halted all university activities. The institution announced the cancellation of all athletic events through Sunday and suspended classes through Friday.

FSU President Richard McCullough visited the injured at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital alongside his wife, offering their sympathies to those affected.

“Our hearts are with our students and other victims of this unimaginable tragedy,” McCullough declared.

On Instagram, McCullough thanked law enforcement and recognized the incident’s severity in an official statement.

“We mourn deeply,” he penned. “Our thoughts are with the families and individuals affected, embracing those in recovery and supporting the mourning community.”

Nearby institutions, including Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College, canceled classes slated for Thursday and Friday, respectively.

For immediate aid, FSU advises contacting 911 or the university police department at 850-644-1234.