Two people are dead and at least six others were wounded after a 20-year-old student and son of a cop opened fire at Florida State University’s campus, reported law enforcement authorities.
Phoenix Ikner was taken into custody after the brutal attack, which triggered a lockdown of the Tallahassee campus on Thursday. FSU officials alerted students to reports of an active shooter and students were warned to shelter in place.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said later at a press conference that Ikner was the son of Leon County deputy Jessica Ikner, and had used a weapon owned by his mother to carry out the shootings.
Phoenix Ikner was a long-standing member of the LCSO youth advisory committee, McNeil said, and was “steeped” in the “family” of the sheriff’s office.
"This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever fathom from a law enforcement perspective," McNeil said.
"But I will tell you this, we will make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say, across this state and across this nation."
In an appalling twist some students who survived the deadly Parkland shooting at Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018 that killed 17 and injured 18 were on campus for their second mass attack, according to the father of one of the Parkland victims.
“America is broken,” wrote Fred Gutenberg – whose daughter, Jaime, was murdered at Parkland – wrote on X.
“Many of her friends who were lucky enough to survive that shooting went on to attend FSU. Incredibly, some of them were just a part of their 2nd school shooting and some were in the student union.”
He said he wasn’t surprised by yet another school shooting.
Ikner began shooting in the FSU student union just after midday on Thursday. He was armed with a handgun and a shotgun, though it is not known if he used the latter.
McNeil told reporters that it was “not a surprise” that Ikner had access to firearms, given his mother’s job. Deputy Ikner had been on the force for 18 years and also worked as a school resource officer.
Law enforcement authorities did not reveal a possible motive in the shootings. Ikner has invoked his right not to speak to police.
In its initial alert, put out on X, FSU authorities warned: “An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.”
Multiple gunshots were reported, and a significant police presence responded to the scene. All classes and university events, including athletics events, scheduled for Thursday and Friday were canceled following the incident.
Amid the chaos, a statement shared by Tallahassee Memorial Hospital said it was “actively receiving and caring for patients” related to the incident.
“At this time details are still unfolding, and we do not have specific information to share,” noted the initial statement.
“However, we want to assure the community that our teams are fully mobilized and prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected. We remain in close coordination with emergency responders and public safety officials.”
The statement added: “Out of respect for patient privacy and to ensure accurate information, we will provide updates as soon as they are available. We ask for your patience and compassion during this difficult time."
Police also did not provide any extra information about the victims.
FSU student Emily Palmer, 21, told CNN she had been near the student union when she was alerted to the “dangerous situation” on campus.
“I’m shaking … It’s just a lot going on,” she told the outlet, adding that she was “concerned” for the safety of her friends.
“I have friends in class who are getting evacuated by police with their hands up,” she recounted.
Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, said he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley in the lower level of the student union after seeing students running from a nearby bar.
“In that moment, it was survival,” he said.
Florida Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, and Governor Ron DeSantis said they were monitoring the situation closely.
Scott said his team had been in touch with local law enforcement, writing: “Praying for the safety of everyone at FSU and a swift recovery for those injured.”
In her own X post, Moody added: “I am praying for the safety of the students, faculty and all first responders involved.”
President Donald Trump was also briefed on the situation, said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The president described the incident as a “shame” and a “horrible thing.”
