On Thursday, April 17, 2025, a shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others. The incident began around 11:50 a.m. near the campus student union, leading to a university-wide lockdown.
Authorities held a press conference Thursday afternoon, identifying the suspect as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, an FSU student. Ikner was taken to a local hospital after being subdued by law enforcement. It was confirmed that Ikner is the stepson of Jessica Ikner, a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy with over 18 years of service.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil addressed the situation, acknowledging Deputy Ikner’s contributions to the community while noting that her son had accessed one of her firearms, which was found at the scene.
Officials reported that neither of the two deceased individuals was a student at FSU. The six injured were transported to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, with one person in critical condition.
“There is no further threat to our community at this point,” Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.
Students gathered Thursday evening for a vigil in honor of the victims. Flowers, candles, and heart-shaped balloons were placed at the scene as the investigation continued within a perimeter of yellow police tape.
FSU student William Schatz was in the library preparing for a presentation when the shooting occurred. Schatz described fleeing the scene as others ran and commended the swift response of first responders.
Christopher Malave, another student, was in the student union at the time. He expressed relief at having returned home safely and took the time to process the event.
Cole Summers, also an FSU student, was at Panera in the student union when he overheard a group discussing a gun moments before shots were fired. Summers recounted running from the scene as gunfire erupted.
Sophomore Ben Veytsman was leaving an appointment near the Thagard Building when the shooting began. He sought refuge in a staff lounge after someone warned him of the danger and was later escorted to safety.
Veytsman remarked that the experience felt surreal, akin to a drill rather than a real emergency.
Sources familiar with Ikner indicated that he had been involved in a political discourse club at Tallahassee State College before transferring to FSU. Ikner was known for expressing extreme political views, which led to his removal from the club.
Ikner, a Trump supporter, had been quoted in an FSU student newspaper article concerning anti-Trump protests in January. The investigation into his background and possible motives is ongoing, with authorities noting that he invoked his right to remain silent.
The FBI dispatched agents from its nearby Tallahassee field office to assist, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) confirmed its involvement in the Tampa office. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated he was receiving updates while traveling to Washington, D.C.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed support on social media, stating, “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi mentioned that the FBI was on the scene and coordinating with agents.
FSU canceled classes through Friday and postponed athletic events in Tallahassee for the weekend. FSU President Richard McCullough described the incident as a “tragic and senseless act of violence.”
The FSU Tallahassee campus spans approximately 1,200 acres and comprises 403 buildings. The school serves over 44,300 students and employs more than 16,000 people, as reported on its website.
