FSU shooting: 2 dead, 6 injured after campus shooting, suspect is son of Florida deputy

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Two people are dead and six others and the shooter are hospitalized following a shooting at Florida State University's campus on Thursday. 

FSU shooting latest

What we know:

During a news conference Thursday afternoon, about an hour after law enforcement officials secured the campus, they released preliminary details about what happened at FSU's Student Union. 

Investigators said a gunman opened fire on FSU's main campus, shooting multiple people in the Student Union building. FSU's campus police responded immediately, which is when they "engaged, neutralized and apprehended" the shooter. 

Two people, who authorities said were not students, died from their injuries while six others were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds. The shooter was also taken to the hospital, according to officials. 

Dig deeper:

FSU officials issued an emergency alert at 12:02 p.m., saying that there was a shooting in the area of the Student Union. Students and staff were told to shelter in place as first responders continued clearing rooms on the main campus. 

Tallahassee Police said in a post on X that the campus has since been secured, but multiple law enforcement agencies remain on site as their investigation continues. An FSU Alert was also sent out, saying: 

"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. Individuals are free to move about other areas of campus. Individuals who may have witnessed anything of value should call 850-891-4987."

The Student Union and the surrounding area on campus are still considered active crime scene, and FSU and Tallahassee police officials are urging everyone to avoid the area. Students were also advised not to return to the Student Union for personal belongings. 

"Students may return to their residence halls, but they should otherwise stay indoors on the main campus to allow first responders and university staff to do their jobs and respond to those needing assistance," the school said in a statement on X on Thursday. "Students may depart campus for the weekend. All classes have been canceled through Friday."

The university has canceled all remaining classes and activities, including athletics events, through Sunday. The canceled events include three baseball and three softball games.

Video shows people running across roadways to get away as the scene unfolded.

What you can do:

The FBI is seeking information on the shooting at FSU. If you have any information, video or audio of the incident, you are asked to submit it by clicking here. 

Who is the suspected shooter? 

Dig deeper:

The suspect involved in the shooting was identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who is a current student at FSU. He's also the son of a Leon County Sheriff's Office deputy, Jessica Ikner, according to authorities. 

Officials said the deputy has been with the sheriff's office for more than 18 years, saying that her service to the community has been "exceptional." 

Investigators said her son, however, had access to one of her weapons, which was one of the weapons found at the shooting scene on FSU's campus. Officials said it appears this was a "former service weapon."

The 20-year-old suspect was a longstanding member of the Leon County Sheriff's Office Citizens Advisory/Youth Advisory Council, according to law enforcement officials. That means, investigators said, that the suspect was steeped in LCSO's family, and engaged in a number of training programs that the sheriff's office has. 

What they're saying:

"It's not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons," Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said during Thursday's news conference. "This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever fathom from a law enforcement perspective."

Officials said they are still investigating how that weapon was used during the shooting and where he got the other weapons that were also used. 

"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 the state and across this nation," said McNeil.

FSU shooting reactions

From FSU's President:

Richard McCllough released the following letter on social media hours after the deadly shooting on campus: 

"Dear FSU community, 

Today, we experienced a tragic and senseless act of violence at the heart of our campus. 

At lunchtime, an active shooter opened fire at the Student Union. Two were killed. Six others were 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. 

I’ve been in constant contact with our law enforcement and emergency teams since the incident began. The FSU Police Department, along with the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Highway Patrol, responded immediately and decisively. FSU Police contained the threat and prevented even greater tragedy. I am grateful for their courage and professionalism. 

Right now, our focus is on taking care of people. 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. 

We are working closely with our leadership, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to ensure that everyone has the support they need. If you’re struggling, please reach out to our Counseling & Psychological Services team at (850) 644-TALK (8255). You are not alone. 

There will be more updates in the days ahead, and more time to reflect and heal. But now, we mourn together. We lean on one another. And we remember who we are. 

We are Florida State. We are family. And we stand together. 

Sincerely, 

Richard McCullough 

President"

From Hospital Officials:

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare confirmed in a statement on their website that they are caring for "patients" related to the FSU shooting:

"TMH is actively receiving and caring for patients related to an incident that has occurred at Florida State University. At this time, details are still unfolding, and we do not yet have specific information to share. 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. 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."

From Government Officials:

Governor Ron DeSantis also posted on social media, saying "Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding."

President Donald Trump also reacted to the shooting saying, "It’s a shame. It’s a horrible thing, horrible that things like this take place and we’ll have more to say about it later."

From Mass Shooting Victims:

"It is absolutely horrific that this continues to happen time and time again as our politicians continue to only send their thoughts and prayers," David Hogg, who is a survivor of the Parkland school shooting, posted on X. "We must do more to end this epidemic of gun violence."

Have there been shootings at FSU before?

Dig deeper:

This is at least the second school shooting at FSU. The first one happened in November 2014, when 31-year-old Myron May shot three people at the school’s Strozier Library. At least 400 students were there studying for midterm exams.

May, a 2005 FSU graduate and an attorney, reloaded at least once and tried to enter the library, but was blocked by lobby security barriers that permit only students and staff inside. Police responded within two minutes of the first 911 call and killed him.

One of the students who was shot by May was left paralyzed from the waist down. A library employee was shot in the leg and another student was grazed by a bullet and treated at the scene.

Police said May, who later graduated from law school at Texas Tech, thought he was being watched and targeted by the government. He also complained to police and property managers in New Mexico that cameras were watching him in his apartment and that he heard voices talking about and laughing at him, according to police reports.

What happens next?

Local perspective:

FSU said on social media Thursday night that there will be a vigil held for the victims on Friday, April 18, at 5 p.m. at the Langford Green in front of the Unconquered Statue on campus. 

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