In a Florida State University Shooting: Deputy’s Son Kills 2 And Injures 5 in Campus Tragedy. In a gut-wrenching tragedy at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, a 20-year-old student, Deputy’s Son opened fire injuring at least five and killing two people near the student union. Later, the shooter, was identified as Phoenix Ikner, who was the son of a long-serving Leon County Sheriff’s deputy. During the attack Phoenix Ikner used his mother’s former service weapon.
Florida State University Shooting: Deputy’s Son Kills 2 and Injures 5 in Campus Tragedy
FSU Campus in Shock After Midday Shooting
At around 11:50 AM ET, in the busy student union area, gunfire erupted which sent students, faculty, and campus visitors scrambling for cover. An active shooter alert was swiftly issued by the university urging everyone to shelter in place. As the shooting unfolded, several students reportedly hid in classrooms, dorm rooms, and even in a freight elevator.
According to the witnesses there was chaos and confusion in the scene. Wayne, a student at the scene said, “Everyone just started running out of the student union. About a minute later, we heard about eight to ten gunshots.”
Shooter Identified as Son of Local Sheriff’s Deputy
Phoenix Ikner, an active student at FSU, was a single suspect in the mass shooting. Phoenix Ikner is the son of Deputy Jessica Ikner, a respected officer who has served with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for over 18 years. Deputy Jessica Ikner was previously a member of the LCSO Youth Advisory Council and participated in several police-led training programs.
“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that weapon was used during this tragic incident,” Sheriff Walter McNeil said. The firearm was issued by the department and later it was purchased legally to become her personal property.
Weapon Belonged to Shooter’s Mother, a Veteran Officer
The weapon recovered by the police at the crime scene was confirmed to be of the deputy’s former service pistol. It was found that Ikner also possessed a shotgun, but,during the attack whether it was discharged, is still unclear.
Some witnesses reported, before switching to the handgun, Ikner unload a rifle-style weapon. Aired on CNN, the video footage showed a young man walking calmly across campus grounds while firing shots at fleeing individuals.
Victims and Witnesses Recall Chaos
According to FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower, the two individuals killed in the attack were not students at the university. Due to pending family notifications, the identities of the victims have not yet been made public. Five were hospitalized, among the injured, with one in critical condition and others in serious condition.
Sam Swartz, a student, described terror-stricken moments of hiding and barricading themselves in hallways. He said, “We used trash cans and plywood to block the doors. We learned to make them take time — every second matters.”
Police Neutralize Threat, Shooter Hospitalized
Law enforcement quickly responded to the scene and confronted Ikner near the student union. The authorities stated that the shooter refused to obey police commands and was shot by the officers before being taken into custody. Ikner’s condition has not been released, but is currently hospitalized.
Ikner did not shoot at responding officers, but the situation was deemed too dangerous to delay intervention. By early afternoon, the threat was officially neutralized.
University Lockdown and Aftermath
FSU locked down the campus, and non-resident students were asked to evacuate, following shooting. Around 3 PM ET, the lockdown was lifted, even though several areas remained active crime scenes. The university on Friday had cancelled all classes and events and the athletic events have been postponed through Sunday.
Richard McCullough, FSU President, issued a statement expressing heartbreak and support for those affected: “This is a tragic day for Florida State University. We’re devastated by the violence on our campus.”
President Trump Responds to Gun Control Debate
President Donald Trump on FSU shooting incident offered condolences but stopped short of endorsing changes to gun legislation. Trump said, “This is a shame, a horrible thing, but the gun doesn’t do the shooting — the people do.”
He reiterated his commitment to protecting the Second Amendment, during a press briefing, while adding, “I have an obligation to protect it. I ran on the Second Amendment, and I will always protect it.”
Tragedy Adds to Growing List of Campus Shootings in the U.S.
In a disturbing trend of mass shootings at educational institutions, the FSU shooting is the latest across the U.S. Shootings at Michigan State University and University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2023 alone, claimed lives of multiple students and faculty members.
Past 11 years, Thursday’s shooting marks the second gun violence incident on the FSU campus. A gunman, in 2014, opened fire at the school’s library, injuring three people.
Yet another mass shooting, as the nation mourns, questions around mental health and gun access continue to dominate public discourse. FSU students, faculty, and families, for now, are left to pick up the pieces of a day that will not soon be forgotten.
Also Read: Tragedy at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival: 9 Dead After SUV Plows into Crowd
Also Read: Who Is Phoenix Ikner, The 20-Year-Old Behind Florida University Shooting
