TALLAHASSEE – A student opened fire at Florida State University, killing two people and injuring five others on Thursday before being shot by police. The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, is the son of a veteran Leon County deputy and allegedly used her former service weapon in the attack.
The campus was placed on lockdown as the shooting erupted near the student union around lunchtime. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as students ran for cover amid a barrage of gunfire.
Authorities said the suspect had participated in law enforcement training programs, giving him access to weapons. He was hospitalized after being shot by responding officers. His condition remains unknown.
Officials confirmed the two deceased victims were not students, though further details were not released. FSU canceled all classes and advised off-campus students to return home.
FSU President Richard McCullough called it a “tragic day” and assured support for those affected.
The shooting reignited debate over U.S. gun laws. Former President Donald Trump called the incident “horrible” but defended gun rights, saying, “The gun doesn’t do the shooting — the people do.”
Gun Violence Archive reports at least 81 mass shootings in the U.S. this year.