At Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, a tragic shooting occurred on April 17, 2025, where two people were killed and six others injured. The suspect is Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student and son of a Leon County sheriff's deputy. He allegedly used his mother's former service weapon, which was found at the scene, and was also armed with a shotgun
. The shooting took place near the student union around 11:50 a.m. Police responded quickly, and the suspect was shot by law enforcement after failing to comply with commands. He was hospitalized with serious but non-life- threatening injuries and is now in custody
. The victims who died were not students, and the six injured individuals were treated at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, with all reported to be in fair condition after initial critical reports
. The university went into lockdown, issuing alerts for students to shelter in place and avoid certain buildings still considered active crime scenes. Classes and events were canceled through Friday, and sports events canceled through Sunday
. Authorities, including the FBI and ATF, are investigating the incident. The suspect had been involved in law enforcement training programs and a sheriff's advisory council. His political views, described as far-right and extremist, had led to his removal from a political discourse club at another local college
. FSU President Richard McCullough praised campus police for their swift actions in preventing further harm and expressed support for the community during this difficult time
. This incident marks another tragic mass shooting in the U.S., with 80 such events recorded so far in 2025
