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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rhian Lubin,Kelly Rissman and Alex Ross

FSU shooting: Mom speaks out after suspected shooter son is identified as ‘white supremacist’

Florida State University Florida Tallahassee Police

The suspect in the Florida State University shooting reportedly shared “white supremacist views” with concerned classmates before yesterday’s attack that killed two people and injured six others.

Phoenix Ikner had a tumultuous childhood, according to court records showing the biological mother of the 20-year-old was accused of removing him from the U.S. when he was 10.

He later changed his name from Christian Eriksen to share the surname of his mother, Leon County Deputy Jessica Ikner, whose former service weapon he used during the shooting, police said.

His biological mother, Anne-Mari Eriksen, told ABC News on Friday that she initially worried he might have been hurt; when he was named a suspect, she “collapsed.”

"There’s so much that needs to be said about this, but I just can’t talk without crying. We need time to process all this,” she said.

Following the attack, a classmate at Ikner’s former school claimed the suspect was told to leave a “political round table” club after he “espoused so much white supremacist rhetoric, and far-right rhetoric as well, to the point where we had to exercise that rule.”

Once Ikner is released from the hospital, where he is expected to be for a while, he’ll be “taken to a local detention facility where he will face the charges up to and including first-degree murder,” Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said Friday.

Investigators had not revealed a motive as of Friday evening or released the victims’ identities, but some family members have come forward.

The two victims who lost their lives were identified Friday as Tiru Chabba and Robert Morales. Both men were fathers.

Key Points

  • Hospital issues update on injured victims
  • What we know about suspected shooter Phoenix Ikner
  • FSU shooting suspect Phoenix Ikner pictured
  • Suspect supported 'white supremacist rhetoric' - report
  • Injured grad student says she was forced to 'play dead' after being struck by a bullet

This concludes our live coverage

00:01 , Kelly Rissman

Our live coverage has ended.

Here's a full breakdown of what we know about the victims:

What we know about the victims killed at Florida State University

For more on the suspected shooter, here’s what we know:

What we know about suspected Florida State University shooter Phoenix Ikner

Suspect in custody - report

Thursday 17 April 2025 18:19 , Rhian Lubin

A suspect is in custody following reports of an active shooter at FSU, according to CNN.

The network cited two law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the situation.

Pictured: Students wait for news following active shooter alert

Thursday 17 April 2025 18:27 , Rhian Lubin

Florida State University students wait for news after reports of an active shooter incident at the school’s Tallahassee campus.

A suspect is in custody, according to a report.

Students are pictured on the phone as they await news following the active shooter alert (AP)
Students wait for news on campus following the alert (AP)

Florida officials respond to active shooter reports

Thursday 17 April 2025 18:35 , Rhian Lubin

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials have reacted to the news of an active shooter at FSU today.

Number of injured being treated in hospital rises to six, with one in critical condition - report

Thursday 17 April 2025 18:50 , Rhian Lubin

The number of people being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital has risen to six, MSNBC reports.

One is reported to be in a critical condition.

Trump responds to shooting - 'It's a horrible thing'

Thursday 17 April 2025 18:55 , Rhian Lubin

President Donald Trump has reacted to the shooting at FSU.

“Thank you very much everybody, and I've been briefed on the Florida State University, Tallahassee, active shooting,” Trump said in the Oval Office Thursday.

“I guess it's an active shooter fully briefed as to where we are right now. It's a shame, horrible thing, horrible that things like this take place, and we'll have more to say about it later.”

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the White House is actively monitoring the situation.

'Every parent's worst nightmare' - Florida House Speaker

Thursday 17 April 2025 19:00 , Rhian Lubin

Florida Speaker of the House Rep. Danny Perez said today’s incident was “every parent’s worst nightmare” in a social media post.

FSU student describes seeing ' nothing but blue lights'

Thursday 17 April 2025 19:06 , Mike Bedigan

Florida State University student Daniella Streety described seeing “nothing but blue lights from the police presence” and long lines of students with their hands raised being evacuated from the campus.

“I did see them carry out one student in what looked like on a stretcher and kept them in the road until an ambulance was able to pick them up,” she told NBC.

“Directly across from me there’s a building about 50 feet outside of the window. … There was a student injured there as well and they had to transport them in a desk chair to the road to then be transported via ambulance.”

Watch: Live from Florida State University campus

Thursday 17 April 2025 19:14 , Mike Bedigan

Tallahassee Police Department says one suspect in custody

Thursday 17 April 2025 19:22 , Mike Bedigan

A spokesperson for the Tallahassee Police Department confirmed to NBC News that authorities have one suspect is in custody.

No additional information was provided but a media briefing is scheduled for later on Thursday afternoon.

Suspect in custody at Florida State University: What we know about the alleged shooter

Thursday 17 April 2025 19:30 , Mike Bedigan

Six people were injured in a shooting on Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus on Thursday.

FSU police locked the campus down after reports of an active shooter and students were told to shelter in place.

Here’s what we know:

Suspect in custody at FSU: What we know about the alleged shooter

FSU classes and sporting events cancelled over the weekend

Thursday 17 April 2025 19:37 , Mike Bedigan

FSU officials said that all classes and other business operations would be cancelled on Friday also, in the wake of the mass shooting on its Tallahassee campus.

“All classes and business operations are canceled through Friday, April 18. Essential employees should check with their supervisors for further reporting instructions,” an online statement read.

Athletics events in Tallahassee were also canceled throughout the weekend.

At least one dead following FSU shooting – report

Thursday 17 April 2025 19:41 , Mike Bedigan

At least one person has died following the shooting at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus, according to reports.

A senior Florida law enforcement official briefed on the matter confirmed the news to NBC.

FBI assisting law enforcement in Tallahassee

Thursday 17 April 2025 19:47 , Mike Bedigan

Full story: One dead and at least five others hurt after shooting at Florida State University – Suspect in custody

Thursday 17 April 2025 19:55 , Mike Bedigan

At least one person is reported to have died and five others are in serious condition following a shooting on Florida State University’s campus.

FSU locked the campus in Tallahassee, Florida, down on Thursday following reports of an active shooter and students were warned to shelter in place.

Read the full story here:

Active shooter reported at Florida State University sending campus into lockdown

FSU issues update: Students told to avoid the area

Thursday 17 April 2025 19:59 , Rhian Lubin

Florida State University has issued a new update and warned students to avoid the area.

The Student Union building and the surrounding area “is still considered an active crime scene,” FSU said in the update.

All classes and business operations on the main campus are canceled through Friday.

See the full update below:

Witness: ' I saw him shoot the lady like right in front of him'

Thursday 17 April 2025 20:12 , Rhian Lubin

A witness has told how she saw the alleged shooter fire at a woman on campus.

FSU junior McKenzie Heeter told NBC News that she was near the student union when she saw “a guy in an orange Hummer” pull up and get out of his vehicle with a rifle.

He took out the weapon and shot in her direction, she said. She called the police just before midday to report the shooting.

“I think he was shooting and he missed. So he goes back into his car and grabs a pistol, then he turns and shoots the lady in front of him,” she said. “That’s when I just started running.

“When he turned back around with the pistol, I saw him shoot the lady like right in front of him. She was probably like 5 feet in front of him with the pistol,” Heeter added.

The student said she ran back to her apartment as fast as she could and warned others to stay away from campus.

Pictured: Students evacuate with hands above their heads

Thursday 17 April 2025 20:20 , Rhian Lubin

Students evacuate campus with their hands above their heads (via REUTERS)
Law enforcement pictured on campus this afternoon (via REUTERS)

Campus is secured - police

Thursday 17 April 2025 20:25 , Rhian Lubin

Tallahassee Police has confirmed the campus is now secure, but warned students to stay away from the area.

They will share more details at a press conference at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.

FSU: 'Law enforcement has neutralized the threat'

Thursday 17 April 2025 20:30 , Rhian Lubin

FSU has issued another update confirming that police have neutralized the threat to campus.

“Law enforcement has neutralized the threat. Please avoid the Student Union, Bellamy, HCB Classroom Building, Rovetta A&B, Moore Auditorium, Shaw, Pepper, Hecht House and Carraway as they are still considered an active crime scene,” the university said.

“Individuals are free to move about other areas of campus. Individuals who may have witnessed anything of value should call 850-891-4987. Visit http://alerts.fsu.edu for official updates.”

Dad of Parkland school shooting victim reacts: 'American is broken'

Thursday 17 April 2025 20:40 , Rhian Lubin

The father of a victim of the Parkland school shooting said “America is broken” in an emotional statement today.

Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime Guttenberg was murdered in the 2018 shooting, said that some of the survivors attend FSU.

Students hid in the student union's bowling alley

Thursday 17 April 2025 20:54 , Associated Press

Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, said he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley in the union's lower level after seeing students running from a nearby bar.

“In that moment, it was survival,” he said.

After about 15 minutes, university police escorted the students out of the building and he saw a person getting emergency treatment on the lawn, he said.

Chris Pento told WCTV in Tallahassee that he and his twins were getting lunch at the student union during a campus tour when they heard gunshots. “It was surreal. And people just started running,” he told the TV station.

They packed into a service elevator after encountering locked doors at the end of a hallway. “That was probably the scariest point because we didn't know. It could get worse, right?” he said. “The doors opened and two officers were there, guns drawn.”

Suspect is among the hospitalized - report

Thursday 17 April 2025 21:01 , Rhian Lubin

The suspect is among the patients taken to hospital, according to a report.

Law enforcement sources told CNN the suspect was shot in the incident and is being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

WATCH: 'That could have been me': FSU student speaks out after campus shooting

Thursday 17 April 2025 21:18 , Kelly Rissman

Witnesses speak out about the 'surreal' campus shooting

Thursday 17 April 2025 21:27 , Kelly Rissman

“It was just chaos,” one student told CBS Miami, noting how students began piling tables up and blocking the elevator to secure themselves in a classroom.

She said she saw a man being hauled away on a gurney who was bleeding: “It was hard to watch.”

Another witness said he heard eight to 10 gunshots. “It was surreal,” he told the outlet.

Trump vows to protect the Second Amendment after school shooting

Thursday 17 April 2025 22:09 , Kelly Rissman

A reporter asked President Donald Trump about whether he hopes to see change with gun legislation.

“I'm a big advocate of the Second Amendment. I have been from the beginning. I protected it, and these things are terrible, but the gun doesn't do the shooting, the people do,” the president said.

“I will tell you that it's a shame. I'm just hearing about it now,” he added, noting he’ll say more later when he knows more information.

“As far as legislation is concerned, this has been going on for a long time. I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment. I ran on the Second Amendment, among many other things, and I will always protect the Second Amendment,” Trump continued.

Student shooter in custody after killing two and wounding five at FSU

Thursday 17 April 2025 22:30 , Kelly Rissman

Two people are dead and six others were taken to hospital in serious condition following after a 20-year-old student and son of a cop opened fire at Florida State University’s campus.

Phoenix Ikner was taken into custody following the brutal attack, which caused the campus in Tallahassee to be locked down on Thursday. FSU officials alerted students to reports of an active shooter and students were warned to shelter in place.

At a press conference Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil revealed that Ikner was the son of Leon County deputy Jessica Ikner, and had used a weapon owned by his mother to carry out the shooting.

Mike Bedigan has the latest.

Active shooter reported at Florida State University sending campus into lockdown

'This event is tragic in more ways than you could ever fathom': Police officer discusses suspect's links to law enforcement

Thursday 17 April 2025 22:45 , Kelly Rissman

Speaking at the press conference, Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said that Phoenix Ikner, the 20-year-old suspected shooter, was involved in the law enforcement community. He was involved in the sheriff’s office’s Youth Advisory Council.

"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."

Gun safety advocates and politicians send condolences after tragedy

Thursday 17 April 2025 23:03 , Kelly Rissman

“My heart breaks for Florida State University,” Gabby Giffords said on X. “It’s horrifying that students who survived the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School seven years ago just lived through another. The constant gun violence must stop.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is praying for the entire Florida State community, he said in a video on X. The suspect “must and will be brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law,” the governor added.

“My heart goes out to everyone affected by the shooting at Florida State University,” Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said in an X post. “Our places of learning should never be the target of violence—this should not be the reality on our campuses.”

Florida State Rep. Michele K. Rayner issued a statement in the wake of the shooting. “As an alumna of Florida State University and a current member of the Florida Legislature, I am heartbroken and deeply troubled by the tragic events that unfolded on FSU’s campus,” Rayner said.

“Our schools, colleges, and universities must be sanctuaries of safety and learning—not places marked by fear and violence. Once we have all the facts, we must respond with urgency and resolve to ensure that no community in Florida has to endure a tragedy like this again,” the state representative added.

What do we know about the shooting suspect?

Thursday 17 April 2025 23:56 , Kelly Rissman

Phoenix Ikner, 20-year-old suspect, is now in police custody; he is a student at FSU majoring in political science.

Ikner was also a long-standing member of the LCSO youth advisory committee, McNeil said, and was “steeped” in the “family” of the sheriff’s office.

He added that it was “not a surprise” that Ikner had access to firearms, given his mother’s job.

According to online records, Ikner lives in Tallahassee, and registered as a Republican in 2022. He last voted in November 2024, according to the records. Earlier this year he was interviewed by FSU News about anti-Trump protests taking place on the campus.

“I think it’s a little too late, he’s [Trump] already going to be inaugurated on January 20 and there’s not really much you can do unless you outright revolt, and I don’t think anyone wants that,” he told the outlet at the time.

Here’s what we know.

Suspect in custody at FSU: What we know about the alleged shooter

Parkland survivors now attend FSU, marking the second school shooting they've had to endure

Friday 18 April 2025 00:15 , Kelly Rissman

The father of a Parkland victim says his late daughter’s friends attend FSU.

Fred Guttenberg’s daughter Jaime was killed during the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Now, her classmates have gone on to face a second school shooting in a seven-year span.

“America is broken. My daughter Jaime was murdered in the Parkland school shooting. Many of her friends who were lucky enough to survive that shooting went on to attend FSU,” Guttenberg said.

“Incredibly, some of them were just a part of their 2nd school shooting and some were in the student union today,” he continued in a post on X. “As a father, all I ever wanted after the Parkland shooting was to help our children be safe. Sadly, because of the many people who refuse to do the right things about reducing gun violence, I am not surprised by what happened today.”

Injured victims are now in 'fair condition'

01:00 , Kelly Rissman

All six patients injured during the shooting are in fair condition, the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital told the Associated Press.

The news comes after the hospital said one individual was in critical condition.

The identities of the victims has not been released. But police said earlier Thursday that the two individuals killed in the shooting were not students.

The suspected shooter is also currently receiving medical care; his condition is not currently known.

'We are heartbroken': FSU president says in the wake of the shooting

01:38 , Kelly Rissman

FSU President Richard McCullough issued a statement in the wake of the tragedy that left two dead and six injured.

“We are heartbroken. We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were lost. We are holding close those who are injured, and we are standing by everyone who is hurting,” he wrote on Thursday evening on X.

You can read his full message here.

Suspect espoused 'white supremacist rhetoric': report

01:46 , Kelly Rissman

The shooting suspect allegedly espoused “white supremacist rhetoric” and was removed from a political club, NBC News reported.

Reid Seybold told the outlet that he and Ikner both attended Tallahassee State College before they transferred to FSU. Seybold was president of the "political round table" club.

At some point, Ikner was asked not to come back due to his controversial views, Seybold told the outlet.

"Basically our only rule was no Nazis — colloquially speaking — and he espoused so much white supremacist rhetoric, and far-right rhetoric, as well, to the point where we had to exercise that rule," Seybold said.

Seybold was in a building not far from the area where the shooting transpired; he said he heard gunshots. He texted everyone he loved, telling them how he felt: “I was getting ready to die."

Suspect 'never spoke about guns' years earlier in sheriff's office youth advisory council: report

01:57 , Kelly Rissman

“It’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil said at Thursday’s press conference.

The suspect, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, is the son of a deputy and was involved in the sheriff’s office Youth Advisory Council, McNeil said.

Years earlier, a fellow teen involved in the group said he never discussed firearms.

Jacob West, 18, and Ikner were part of the group in 2021-2022.

Ikner was always “in good spirits” and always proposing “really good ideas to help Leon County,” West told the New YorkTimes. “He never spoke about guns or anything.”

Former classmate 'shocked' to learn who suspect was: report

03:20 , Kelly Rissman

Ikner’s former classmate says he was “shocked” to learn he was named a suspect.

“I was a bit shocked,” Nicholas Lobo, 19, told NBC News. Lobo and Ikner both attended Tallahassee State College last semester before they both transferred to FSU. The pair were in the same “political discourse group,” according to the outlet.

“I was driving when I saw someone message me and his name, and, like, I remembered it,” Lobo said, noting he didn’t know the suspect well.

Ikner tended to take more conservative positions, but wasn’t considered radical, Lobo said.

“He was pretty normal. He was nice,” he added.

Two men were killed in shooting, police chief says

03:44 , Kelly Rissman

Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell provided an update on the conditions of the victims in the wake of, what he called, a “heinous and despicable act of violence.”

Earlier in the day, police said two people, who were not students, were killed in the shooting. In an evening statement, Revell identified them as men but gave no further information.

Five other victims were struck by gunfire while a sixth person was injured while attempting to run away from the shooting, he said. No further information about the victims has been released.

The 20-year-old suspect, Phoenix Ikner, remains hospitalized with “serious but non-life-threatening injuries.”

The crime scenes have been processed and the investigation remains open and active. The police department “is committed to bringing justice to the victims in this case,” the police chief said.

Hospital releases statement on 'heartbreaking situation'

08:18 , Alex Ross

The six injured in the Thursday’s shooting at Florida State University were taken to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

In the hours after the incident, the hospital released a statement in which it said those injured were in a “fair condition”.

On its social media page, the hospital said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred today at FSU.

“Our hearts are with the students, families, and everyone impacted by this heartbreaking situation. TMH has received six patients related to this incident, all of which are currently in fair condition.

“Our dedicated trauma teams are providing the highest level of care to all patients, and we remain fully mobilized to meet their needs.

“We continue to work closely with emergency responders and public safety officials. Out of respect for patient privacy and to ensure the accuracy of information, we will provide updates as appropriate.”

Tallahassee Memorial Hospital received six patients following the shooting on Thursday (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
08:39 , Alex Ross

Last night, as darkness fell on Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus, students began laying flowers in remembrance of the two people killed in the shooting hours earlier.

Investigators say Phoenix Ikner, who is believed to be a Florida State student, used his mother’s former service weapon when he opened fire at the campus, also injuring at least six others.

The two men who died were not students, said Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower.

(Getty Images)
(AP)

(Getty Images)

Timeline on how shooting unfolded

08:58 , Alex Ross

12.02pm: Florida State University issues alert on active gunman near student union buildings

12.20pm: Police respond to the scene as students instructed to take shelter

12.39pm: Second alert reiterates people should stay in shelter as police activity continues on campus

1.48pm: Donald Trump tells the world’s media is has been briefed on the shooting

1.50pm: First reports of six victims in hospital

2.44pm: Florida State University cancels all classes through to Friday as police clear campus rooms

3.18pm: Florida State University says law enforcement has neutralized the threat and lifts instructions to stay in shelter

Students tell of horror

09:08 , Alex Ross

Following yesterday’s shooting at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus, we’ve since been hearing from some of the students who were instructed to stay in shelter.

Emily Palmer, 21, was next to the student union when the shooting happened, she told CNN.

“I’m shaking … It’s just a lot going on,” Palmer said.

“I’m concerned about my friends. I have friends in class right who are getting evacuated by police with their hands up.”

Paula Maldonado told ABC News she was in class when the threat alarm went off and the sounded of yelling broke out outside.

"Everyone in my class quickly turned off the lights, put desks to block off the door and hid by the front of the classroom," she said.

"A cop came inside and I thought it was the shooter, so it was very scary. But after a couple of minutes another copy came back in and told us to go outside with our hands up."

(via REUTERS)

Second shooting on the Florida State University Campus in 11 years

09:28 , Alex Ross

Mass shootings on U.S. school campuses have become recurring tragedies in recent years.

Thursday's incident was the second shooting on the FSU campus in 11 years. In 2014, a graduate opened fire early at the school's main library, wounding two students and an employee as hundreds were studying for exams.

Notable mass shootings at other colleges or universities in recent years include the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre in Blacksburg, Virginia, where 32 people were killed and 23 injured.

In 2023, there were two college mass shootings, one at Michigan State University, where three students were killed and at least five others injured.

The other incident unfolded at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where three faculty members were killed before a suspect died in a shootout with the police.

What we know about suspected shooter

09:45

Hours after the shooting on Thursday, police identified the suspected gunman as Phoenix Ikner.

Here, Joe Sommerlad shares what we know about the 20-year-old Florida State University student.

Suspect in custody at FSU: What we know about the alleged shooter

Shots sent students scattering

10:10 , Alex Ross

Holden Mendez, a 20-year-old student studying political science and international affairs, said he had just left the student union when he heard a series of shots in the Florida State University campus yesterday lunchtime.

He ran into a nearby campus building, where he said his previous emergency response training kicked in.

"There was a lot of fear. There was a lot of panic. There was a lot of misinformation that was being spread around. I was doing my best to kind of combat that," he said.

"I told people, 'Take a deep breath. This building is secure. Everything is going to be ok.'"

Andres Perez, 20, was in a classroom near the student union when the alarm sounded for a lockdown.

He said his classmates began moving desks in front of the door and police officers came to escort them out."

I always hang out in the student union," Perez said. "So the second I found out that the threat was there, my heart sank and I was scared."

(EPA)

University to hold vigil on Friday

10:30 , Alex Ross

As police continue the investigation into the shooting at the Tallahassee campus of Florida State University, staff have announced a vigil will be held for the two male victims, who were not students, on Friday.

The event will take place at 5pm at Langford Green - the same location a similar vigil was held after a shooting at the campus 11 years ago.

All classes have been cancelled for the day. Late on Thursday, the university released a statement: "The student union and the surrounding area is still considered an active crime scene.

“The public and campus community should avoid the area. Students should not return to the student union to retrieve personal property at this time.

“Students may return to their residence halls but they should otherwise stay indoors on the main campus to allow law enforcement and university staff to do their jobs and respond to those needing assistance.”

Shooting suspect pictured

10:48 , Alex Ross

The suspect in the shooting at the Tallahassee campus of Florida State University on Thursday was named by police as Phoenix Ikner.

The 20-year-old student is the son of a local sheriff’s deputy, authorities say, and was a member of the sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council.

On a now-deleted Instagram account with Ikner’s name, a photograph of him was shared with the biblical quote: “You are my war club, my weapon for battle; with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms.”

Ikner was wounded by police during the shooting at the campus. He is said to not be in a life-threatening condition as officers continue to investigate what happened.

Phoenix Ikner, the Florida State University shooting suspect. Picture taken from social media (Social media)

Shock over suspect's ties to the police force

11:10 , Alex Ross

As we’ve reported, the named suspected in yesterday’s shooting, Phoenix Ikner, was a member of the Leon County Sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council.

The council provides “an open line of communication” between young people and local law enforcement.

Kenniyah Houston, also a member of the youth council, reacted to news of the shooting in an interview with CNN.

She did not personally remember Ikner. She said the advisory council focused on improving the community and law enforcement.

She said: “That’s what it was all about – making better decisions. For something like this to happen from someone in a group like that is scary … it’s devastating.”

Woman claims to be suspect's biological mother

11:38 , Alex Ross

Media outlets this morning have reported how Leon Country court records show the shooting suspect, Phoenix Ikner, changed his name from Christian Erikson after his biological mother was accused of taking him to Norway when he was 10 years old.

Now it has emerged that a woman claiming to be Ikner’s mother posted about the shooting on a Facebook now-deleted post in the hours after the incident, according to MailOnline.

She also fumed over a legal battle she had with her son’s father, who is believed to have raised Ikner.

She wrote: “Feel sorry for everyone at FSU and their kids.”

'I heard some gunshots and then, you know, just blacked out after'

12:11 , Alex Ross

We’re hearing more from students who were on campus at the time of the shooting on Thursday lunchtime.

Police say the suspect is Phoenix Ikner. Two people died and six were injured in the attack at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus.

Carolina Sena, a 21-year-old accounting student, was inside the student union when the shooting started.

"I heard some gunshots and then, you know, just blacked out after," she said.

"Everyone was crying and just panicking. We were trying to barricade ourselves in a little corner in the basement, trying to protect ourselves as much as we could."

In pictures: Friday morning at Florida State University

12:32 , Alex Ross

By early Friday, memorials of candles and flowers dotted the Tallahassee campus and a school-wide vigil had been scheduled as students and faculty.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Petrified FSU students take shelter under tables

13:55 , Alex Ross

Footage has emerged showing students taking shelter as the shooter opened fire at the Tallahassee campus on Thursday.

Petrified FSU students take shelter under tables during shooting as alarms sound

Classmates say suspect supported Trump and 'white supremacist views'

13:56 , Sam Rkaina

The suspected gunman is a Trump supporter who shared white supremacist views, classmates have claimed.

FSU senior Reid Seybold said he knew the suspect, Phoenix Ikner, from a political discussion group on campus.

Seybold, the group’s president, told NBC Ikner had been asked to leave because “he espoused so much white supremacist rhetoric and far-right rhetoric”.

Another club member, Riley Pusins, said the outlet that the Ikner had also advocated for the president’s agenda.

Public voter records show Ikner registered as a Republican in 2022, NBC added.

Suspect's troubled childhood - reports

14:07 , Alex Ross

The suspect in the shooting had a tumultuous childhood, court records have shown.

As more detail emerges on Phoenix Ikner following Thursday’s shooting, a review of court records by CNN has shown his biological mother was accused of removing him from he US in violation of a custody agreement when he was 10 years old.

He later changed his name from Christian Eriksen to share the surname of his mother, Leon County Deputy Jessica Ikner, whose former service weapon he used during the shooting, police say.

University focus is now on 'taking care of people'

14:22 , Alex Ross

Following yesterday’s shooting, which left two dead and six injured, Richard McCullough, Florida State University president, said the organisation’s focus was not on “taking care of people.”

He added: “That means the victims and their families. It means students, faculty, and staff who were nearby and are now trying to make sense of what they experienced. And it means every person in our campus community who is feeling shaken or overwhelmed.”

Today, a support center has been set up at the university for staff and pupils.

What is the motive of the attack

14:29 , Alex Ross

Investigators have not yet revealed a motive for the shooting.

Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell told reporters that Ikner had invoked his right not to speak to investigators.

However, Revell stressed his belief that the suspect had acted alone and that there was no further threat to the public.

'He was pretty normal, he was nice' - former classmate on suspect

14:50 , Alex Ross

Nicholas Lobo as in the political discourse group at Tallahassee State College that shooting suspect, Phoenix Ikner, was kicked out from for sharing right-wing views.

Not knowing Ikner well, Lobo told NBC News: “He was pretty normal, he was nice.”

He said the 20-year-old wasn’t a radical but tended to take more conservative positions and views.

He added he was “a bit shocked” to hear the suspect’s name when hearing about the shooting yesterday.

(AP)

Suspect's biological mother was sentenced for removing son

15:43 , Alex Ross

More has emerged about gunman suspect Phoenix Ikner’s biological mother, who CNN report, was accused of taking her 10-year-old son to Norway in violation of a custody agreement.

The outlet reports that the mother made no contest to the charge of removing a minor from the state, and was sentenced to 200 days in jail.

After the incident, Ikner, who was previously called Christian Eriksen, changed his name.

It is not clear what contact Ikner’s biological mother had with her son over the past decade.

But on Facebook, shortly after the shooting, she wrote a now-deleted post complaining Ikner’s father had not responded when she asked how her son was.

Suspect's paternal grandmother died last year

15:50 , Alex Ross

An online obituary appears to show the gunman suspect Phoenix Ikner’s grandmother died last year.

Sandra Ikner, aged 73, of Tallahassee, died after a short illness.

Ikner is named as the only child of Christopher and Jessica.

“She was most proud to be the ‘Mimi’ of her only grandson Phoenix whom she doted over,” the obituary reads.

Hospital issues update on injured victims

16:00 , Alex Ross

Six people were injured in yesterday’s shooting at Florida State University’s Tallahassee State College.

They were all taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, which has today issued an update on their condition.

A spokesperson said two patient were to be discharged today. Three were in a good condition, while one remained in a fair condition, they added.

Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Bitter dispute between suspect's biological mother and father revealed

16:33 , Alex Ross

Court documents illustrate the bitter dispute between the shooting suspect Phoenix Ikner’s biological mother and father.

As we’ve reported, Anne-Mari Eriksen was sentenced for taking her son, then called Christian Gunnar Eriksen, to Norway in violation of a custody agreement.

Shortly after, Eriksen filed a lawsuit alleging slander and libel against Christopher Ikner, his wife Jessica Ikner, and two other relatives.

The complaint, seen by The Independent, read: “The emotional and psychological harm done to the minor child will be evident for years, and will require counseling, and given the child being the age of 11, will have memory impacted by the behaviors of all the defendants for the false claims done on his mother, and for the parental alienation of the close relationship of the minor child.”

The case was dismissed by a judge.

Shooting suspect quoted reacting to anti-Trump march

16:50 , Alex Ross

The suspect in the shooting at Florida State University’s Tallahassee State College yesterday was quoted reacting to a march by the Tallahassee Students for a Democratic Society in January.

Phoenix Ikner told the Tallahassee Democrat that the people taking part were “pretty entertaining”, adding that the protest was “a little too late”.

As we’ve reported, Ikner was allegedly kicked out of a political discussion group at his former school, Tallahassee State College, for voicing far-right views.

Hospital to give press conference update on victims

17:19 , Mike Bedigan

Tallahassee Memorial Hospital is due to give an update on the victims treated at 1 p.m.

Two patients are reportedly expected to be discharged today and three have improved and are in good condition.

One remains in fair condition, the hospital said previously.

ICYMI: Who is suspected FSU shooter Phoenix Ikner?

17:45 , Mike Bedigan

A student arrested after two people were killed and six more injured in a shooting on Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus is the son of a sheriff’s deputy, cops say.

Phoenix Ikner, 20, was taken into custody after the incident on Thursday, police revealed at a press conference.

Here’s everything we know about him so far:

What we know about suspected Florida State University shooter Phoenix Ikner

Watch: FSU students take shelter under tables during shooting as alarms sound

18:10 , Mike Bedigan

Hospital says all six injured victims to make full recovery

18:12 , Mike Bedigan

Six victims who were injured in the FSU shooting on Thursday are expected to make a “full recover,” hospital officials have said.

Dr Brett Howard said that despite the horrific circumstances, things had gone “smoothly.”

“This is, unfortunately, things that we train for, although we hope they won’t occur, but we were prepared and activated certain resources.

“We in total, received six patients. All six were in stable condition upon arrival. Three of them did go to the operating room, and have since left the operating room.”

Dr Howard said all six were now in stable condition, with one in “fair condition.” “We do feel that all will make a full recovery,” he said.

“Two of them are possibly going home today, which we're extremely proud of overall.”

Surgeons treated abdominal and facial gunshot injuries

18:30 , Mike Bedigan

Dr Brett Howard said all victims that had been brought to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital were suffering from gunshot wounds.

“Our the response was very fast and the patients were relatively stable, so we were able to successfully treat all the injuries which involved, abdominal surgery procedures, also facial surgery,” he said.

Dr Howard added he was unable to provide further information about the ages or identities of the victims.

The two deceased victims had not been brought to TMH, he added.

Vigil to be held at FSU at 5 p.m.

19:00 , Mike Bedigan

Florida State University will hold a vigil for the victims of Thursday’s campus shooting, that left two dead.

The vigil will be held on Langford Green in front of the Unconquered Statue.

“The FSU community is invited to come together to mourn the victims and everyone who has been affected by this tragedy,” a statement said.

“This event is an opportunity for us to stand in solidarity, offer support, and find strength in unity during this difficult time.”

Timeline on how shooting unfolded

19:30 , Mike Bedigan

12.02pm: Florida State University issues alert on active gunman near student union buildings

12.20pm: Police respond to the scene as students instructed to take shelter

12.39pm: Second alert reiterates people should stay in shelter as police activity continues on campus

1.48pm: Donald Trump tells the world’s media is has been briefed on the shooting

1.50pm: First reports of six victims in hospital

2.44pm: Florida State University cancels all classes through to Friday as police clear campus rooms

3.18pm: Florida State University says law enforcement has neutralized the threat and lifts instructions to stay in shelter

Breaking: One of two dead in FSU shooting named

19:40 , Mike Bedigan

One of the two people killed in the Florida State University shooting on Thursday has been identified.

Robert Morales, an employee of FSU who worked in dining services and helped coach a local high school football team, was one of the victims, a family member confirmed to News6 WKMG.

The Leon High School Athletics Department also confirmed his death in a statement, saying the assistant football coach led the team with “dedication, integrity and a true passion for mentoring young athletes.

“His commitment to the game and to shaping the lives of his players extended far beyond the field. He was a trusted coach, a respected colleague, and a cherished friend to many,” the athletics department said.

Food service worker and a football coach: What we know about the victims killed at Florida State University

19:50 , Mike Bedigan

Two people were killed and six more were injured after a 20-year-old politics student opened fire on a Florida State University campus on Thursday afternoon, prompting chaos and a lockdown.

All of the victims were being treated at Florida’s Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, having been rushed there in serious conditions as the attack unfolded.

Here’s what we know about them so far:

What we know about the victims killed at Florida State University

Classmate claims FSU shooter spouted ‘white supremacist rhetoric and far-right’ views in campus political group

20:00 , Mike Bedigan

Classmates of the suspected Florida State University gunman say he espoused “white supremacist and far-right rhetoric” for years prior to Thursday killing, where two people were killed and six more were injured.

Phoenix Ikner, 20, got into arguments with fellow students over “gross” things he said in class, and was known to take his comments “up to the line.” He also reportedly boasted of the fact that he had access to firearms at home.

Read more here:

Classmates claim FSU shooter held ‘white supremacist rhetoric and far-right’ views

Family of victim Robert Morales speaks out after death

20:05 , Mike Bedigan

The family of Robert Morales, who was identified as one of the victims of the FSU shootings, have confirmed his death, saying he “deserved better.”

“Today we lost my younger Brother, He was one of the victims killed at FSU,” Ricardo Morales Jr wrote on X, sharing pictures of his brother.

“He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful Wife and Daughter. I’m glad you were in my Life.”

In a separate post he added: “You deserved betterRobert. Thank you for being in my life.”

Robert Morales was identified as one of the two dead following Thursday's shooting at FSU (Ricardo Morales Jr/ X)

Friday classes and weekend sports at FSU cancelled

20:15 , Mike Bedigan

All classes on the main Florida State University campus in Tallahassee were on Friday following the shooting at the Student’s Union.

“Employees should check with their supervisors to determine if they are essential personnel and for further reporting instructions,” a statement fro FSU said.

School sporting events over the weekend were also cancelled.

Inside FSU shooting suspect’s tumultuous childhood

20:30 , Mike Bedigan

The suspect arrested after two people were shot dead and six were injured on a Florida campus had a tumultuous childhood, according to reports.

Phoenix Ikner, 20, was described by Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil after the attack on Thursday as the son of one of his deputies, Jessica Ikner. McNeil said the suspect had used her weapon to carry out the shooting at Florida State University (FSU)’s Tallahassee campus.

But reports have now emerged of court records stating that Ikner’s birth name was Christian Gunnar Eriksen and that another woman, Anne-Mari Eriksen, is his biological mother.

Read more here:

FSU shooting suspect Phoenix Ikner had ‘tumultuous childhood,’ court records reveal

Second victim of FSU shooting named

20:58 , Mike Bedigan

The second victim of the FSU shooting has been named as Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father of two.

Chabba, a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, was on the campus Thursday as an employee of a campus vendor.

He is survived by his wife and two children, and the family has hired civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers of The Strom Law Firm and Jim Bannister, the firm said in a release.

“Tiru Chabba’s family is going through the unimaginable now,” Sellers said in a statement.

“Instead of hiding Easter eggs and visiting with friends and family, they’re living a nightmare where this loving father and devoted husband was stolen from them in an act of senseless and preventable violence.”

All victims' families have been contacted following FSU shooting

21:00 , Mike Bedigan

The families of all victims involved in the Florida State University shooting have been contacted, the college has said.

Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where the victims were taken after the incident, said all were expected to make a full recovery.

No further information about their identities has been released.

“We continue to urge all students and staff to contact their family members as soon as possible to let them know they are safe and well,” an update from FSU said.

Injured grad student says she was forced to 'play dead' after being struck by a bullet

21:30 , Kelly Rissman

Madison Askins, a 23-year-old FSU graduate student, was among those injured at the shooting on Thursday.

She and her friend were walking when the pair heard gunshots, she told ABC News.

They "took off running," but "unfortunately, I fell," she said.

As her friend attempted to help Askins to her feet, she was then shot in her buttocks; her friend ran to safety, she told the outlet. That’s when she opted to play dead.

"I released all the muscles in my body, closed my eyes and held my breath," the grad student said. "And I would take short breaths in between when I needed to."

At one point, she thought she heard the shooter walk away, so she planned to inch toward her phone to send off “I love you” texts to her family.

“I wanted to call my dad, tell him I loved him,” she said, crying.

She didn’t though. Askins then hear the gunman reload his firearm nearby. He was so close that she recalled hearing him calmly say: "Keep running."

She told the outlet: "I know for certain if I was moving he would've shot me again.”

A tragedy in under five minutes

22:00 , Kelly Rissman

The shooting spree spanned less than five minutes until police showed up at FSU’s campus, the Associated Press reported.

The suspected gunman arrived at the school’s main campus an hour before he opened fire near the Student Union building, police have said.

In that time, authorities said, the 20-year-old suspect stayed near a parking garage before entering and exiting buildings before using a firearm.

After refusing to comply with police’s commands, the suspected shooter was shot and wounded by law enforcement. He is receiving medical attention.

'This is a kind of tragedy that shouldn’t happen:' FSU president speaks at vigil

22:30 , Kelly Rissman

“Yesterday started like a regular spring day...until everything changed and then some,” FSU President Richard McCullough. “This is a kind of tragedy that shouldn’t happen. Not here. Not anywhere.”

He spoke about one of the two victims, Robert Morales, who was part of the FSU community. Morales was known as a “dedicated colleague” and a “kind person,” he said.

“This is the kind of tragedy that changes people, that changes a place. But it does not define us,” McCullough said.

After praising the efforts of law enforcement and hospital staff, he said: “We’re lucky in a lot of ways. But it could have been much worse.”

He recently spoke to leaders of other schools, like Virginia Tech, that have suffered shootings. “It’s a tragedy that we have to continue to endure. This ridiculous violence for no apparent reason,” the FSU president said.

Who was Tiru Chabba, one of the two men killed in Thursday's FSU shooting?

23:00 , Kelly Rissman

The 45-year-old father of two was a resident of Greenville, South Carolina.

He was on the FSU campus Thursday as an employee of a campus vendor when the attack took place, lawyers for his family said in a Friday statement.

His family hired national civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers of The Strom Law Firm and Jim Bannister “to ensure that all those who bear responsibility for this senseless act of violence are held to account.”

The attorneys asked for privacy for the grieving family.

“Tiru Chabba’s family is going through the unimaginable now,” Sellers said in a statement. “Instead of hiding Easter eggs and visiting with friends and family, they’re living a nightmare where this loving father and devoted husband was stolen from them in an act of senseless and preventable violence.”

“We ask you to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as we fight to ensure they see justice that honors the memories of Mr. Chabba and all the victims of Thursday’s shooting,” the attorney added.

Inside the suspected shooter's tumultuous childhood

23:30 , Kelly Rissman

Suspected gunman Phoenix Ikner, 20, was described by Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil after the attack on Thursday as the son of one of his deputies, Jessica Ikner. McNeil said the suspect had used her weapon to carry out the shooting at Florida State University (FSU)’s Tallahassee campus.

But reports have now emerged of court records stating that Ikner’s birth name was Christian Gunnar Eriksen and that another woman, Anne-Mari Eriksen, is his biological mother.

Eriksen – who, like her son, is said to have dual U.S.-Norwegian citizenship – appears to have separated from the boy’s father Christopher Ikner but allegedly ran into trouble in March 2015 when she took the boy to Norway without the latter’s consent, in violation of their custody arrangements.

“Instead of staying in South Florida, the defendant allegedly fled the country with him in violation of their custody agreement,” an affidavit cited by ABC News states.

“Mr Ikner advised that Christian has developmental delays and has special needs which he feared would not be taken care of without access to his doctors here in the United States.”

Joe Sommerlad has the story.

FSU shooting suspect Phoenix Ikner had ‘tumultuous childhood,’ court records reveal

Suspect's mother speaks out in first public comments after shooting

23:42 , Kelly Rissman

The biological mother of Phoenix Ikner has spoken out for the first time since her son was suspected of opening fire at FSU’s campus Thursday.

The Leon County sheriff revealed at a press conference in the wake of the deadly incident that Ikner was the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, Jessica Ikner. It has since been reported that his biological parents are Anne-Mari Eriksen and his father Christopher Ikner.

“When I heard what had happened, I was frantic -- thought he might be the one hurt. And then when I found out it was him I just collapsed at work," Eriksen told ABC News on Friday.

"There’s so much that needs to be said about this, but I just can’t talk without crying. We need time to process all this,” she told the outlet.

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