A tragic event unfolded on Thursday at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus, where Phoenix Ikner, 20, opened fire, leaving two people dead and six wounded. The incident, which sent shockwaves through the university community, occurred in broad daylight and prompted a swift law enforcement response.
Sheriff McNeil, during a press conference, disclosed that Ikner was deeply connected to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, having been part of their youth training programs. The firearm used in the attack, according to officials, was one that Ikner had access to through his mother, who had previously used it for law enforcement duties before it became her private handgun.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that deputies are permitted to purchase their service handguns for personal use, which was the case with the weapon found at the crime scene. Adding to the disturbing nature of the event, a social media post by Ikner surfaced, quoting a passage from Jeremiah: “You are my war club, my weapons for battle, with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms.” This quote, with its ominous undertones, has been interpreted as a warning of an impending judgment day.
The shooter was a political science major at the university and had previously shared his views on campus protests in the wake of the 2024 presidential election. In a university magazine profile, Ikner remarked on the protests, suggesting that it was too late to change the outcome of the election and dismissing the possibility of a revolt.
“Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.” - Gov. Ron DeSantis
The campus descended into pandemonium as reports of the shooting spread. Witnesses described harrowing scenes, including one who saw a man with a handgun exit the student union, and another who heard what sounded like automatic gunfire. Videos posted on social media depicted students fleeing for safety, personal items strewn across the grounds, and groups of students huddled in fear, including one particularly chilling footage from inside a classroom where students remained silent as someone banged on the door.
Medical facilities, such as Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, were thrust into emergency mode, receiving six victims, one of whom was in critical condition. Police recovered several firearms, including a shotgun and a pistol, and located a gray sedan believed to be connected to the incident with a weapon inside. Ikner, wounded during the exchange with authorities, was taken into custody and hospitalized.
This is not the first time FSU Tallahassee has been targeted; a similar incident in November 2014 involved an alumnus firing in the Strozier Library, injuring three before being fatally shot by police.
Following the lockdown and campus sweep, officials declared the situation contained. The FBI, alongside local law enforcement and the Tallahassee Fire Department, are investigating the tragedy. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Trump have both acknowledged the incident, with DeSantis offering prayers and Trump stating he has been briefed on the situation. The university canceled all classes and events for the day, advising students to avoid the Student Union area as the investigation continues.
