Tragedy struck Florida State University when a 20-year-old student, identified as Phoenix Ikner, opened fire on campus using his mother’s former service weapon, killing two men and injuring at least six others. The shooter, who is the son of a sheriff’s deputy, was eventually shot and wounded by officers after refusing to comply with commands, according to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but authorities are actively investigating the incident that occurred outside the student union during lunchtime. The victims, including five individuals struck by gunfire and one injured while trying to escape, are all in fair condition at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as shots rang out, sending students and faculty scrambling for safety. One student, Aidan Stickney, recounted how the suspect’s shotgun jammed before he switched to a handgun and continued firing. Despite the harrowing experience, Stickney considers himself lucky to have escaped unharmed.
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences for the victims of the shooting, but stopped short of advocating for new gun legislation, emphasizing that “the gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do.” The campus community, as well as the nation at large, was left in shock by the senseless act of violence.
As dusk fell over Florida State University, a somber memorial of candles and flowers was set up outside the student union to honor the victims. The university, which had previously experienced a shooting in 2014, canceled classes and home athletic events in the wake of the tragedy.
Florida State University, with its main campus in Tallahassee, is home to over 44,000 students and has been deeply affected by the recent events. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of yet another senseless act of violence on campus.
