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Tallahassee, Fla. — Chaos and fear swept across the campus of Florida State University on Thursday after a 20-year-old gunman opened fire near the student union, killing two men and injuring at least six others. The university community is now grappling with the emotional aftermath of the violence as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
Students fled in terror, some leaving behind personal belongings like backpacks, notes, and even shoes, as they sought safety. Candles and flowers were placed at makeshift memorials across campus by Friday morning, with a university-wide vigil scheduled to honor the victims.
“I heard gunshots and then everything went black,” said Carolina Sena, a 21-year-old accounting student who was inside the student union when the shooting began. “Everyone was crying and panicking. We tried to hide in a corner of the basement and protect ourselves.”
Shooter Identified as FSU Student, Son of Sheriff’s Deputy
The gunman has been identified as Phoenix Ikner, a Florida State University student and the son of a longtime sheriff’s deputy. According to authorities, he used his mother’s former service weapon to carry out the attack. The motive remains unknown.
Ikner was shot and injured by police after failing to comply with officers’ commands. He is currently hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed that the two men killed were not students. No further details about the victims have been released.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said the firearm used belonged to Ikner’s mother, a veteran employee of the sheriff’s department who had kept the handgun after the agency upgraded its equipment. Ikner, he noted, was involved for years in the department’s youth advisory programs.
“He grew up around our agency,” McNeil said. “He had access to weapons — that’s no surprise.”
Six Injured, Witnesses Describe Horror
Five of the injured were shot, while a sixth was hurt while attempting to flee. According to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, two patients were expected to be discharged Friday, three were in good condition, and one remained in fair condition.
A dramatic account was given by Aidan Stickney, 21, who witnessed the gunman’s first attempt to fire a shotgun at a man in a white polo shirt. “The gun jammed,” Stickney said. “Then he went back to the car, got a handgun, and shot a woman.” Stickney ran, warning others and calling 911. “I got lucky today. I really, really did,” he said.
Trumbower said investigators have not found evidence that the shotgun was used to injure anyone.
Fear and Panic on Campus
Students described scenes of chaos and confusion as gunfire rang out near the student union around lunchtime.
Holden Mendez, a 20-year-old political science student, had just left the union when shots were fired. He ran into a nearby building and used his emergency training to calm fellow students. “There was a lot of fear and panic, and misinformation was spreading,” he said. “I tried to reassure people — told them the building was secure.”
Andres Perez, 20, was in a nearby classroom. “Once I realized the threat was at the student union, my heart sank,” he said. “I hang out there all the time.”
National Reactions and Campus Closure
President Donald Trump called the shooting a “horrible thing,” but said he would not push for new gun control measures. “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” he said.
Florida State University President Richard McCullough expressed sorrow: “We are heartbroken. Our thoughts are with the students and victims of this tragic event.”
The university, home to more than 44,000 students, canceled all classes for the remainder of the week and suspended athletic events through Sunday.
A Tragic Echo of the Past
This is not the first time FSU has experienced such violence. In 2014, a shooting at the university’s main library left three injured before police shot and killed the gunman.
As the investigation continues, Florida State students, faculty, and families are left reeling from another act of senseless violence — one that struck at the very heart of campus life.
