Skip to content
Türkiye Today - Politics, Diplomacy, Defense & More News from Turkey

Mass shooting at Florida State University leaves at least two dead, multiple injured

The photo shows law enforcement responding to an active shooting incident at Florida State University. The photo shows law enforcement responding to an active shooting incident at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. on April 17, 2025. (Photo via USA Today)
By Newsroom
Apr 17, 2025 8:14 PM

At least two people were killed and five others injured in a mass shooting Thursday at Florida State University’s campus in the city of Tallahassee, allegedly carried out by the son of a local sheriff’s deputy, law enforcement officials said.

“Two have died. Five other innocents are being treated for their injuries,” said university President Richard McCullough during a news conference. Calling it a “tragic day” for the university, he added, “We’re absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today.”

Suspected shooter identified as son of a local deputy sheriff

The suspected shooter was identified as Phoenix Ikner, 20, a student at the university and the son of a Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

“Deputy Ikner has been with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for over 18 years. She has done a tremendous job… her service to this community has been exceptional,” Sheriff Walt McNeil told reporters. “Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons found at the scene.”

McNeil said the suspect had been involved in the department’s Youth Advisory Council and other training programs. “He had been steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family… so it’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” he said.

Photo shows police tape surrounding the crime scene.
Police tape surrounds the scene of a shooting near the student union at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. on April 17, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Officials did not release further information about the victims.

Authorities responded to an active shooter situation Thursday at Florida State University’s campus in Tallahassee, prompting a shelter-in-place alert and reports of multiple injuries.

“An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union,” the university said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.”

‘I’m a big advocate of Second Amendment’: Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump, who was briefed on the incident, expressed his sorrow: “It’s a shame. It’s a horrible thing… We’ll have more to say about it later,” he said to reporters.

“I’m a big advocate of the Second Amendment. I have been from the beginning. I protected it,” he told reporters. “These things are terrible, but the gun doesn’t do the shooting — the people do.”

Mass shootings remain a recurring tragedy in the United States, where gun rights are fiercely defended under the Second Amendment. Despite broad public support for reforms, including limits on high-capacity magazines and military-style firearms, legislative action remains limited.

As of mid-April, the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive had recorded at least 81 mass shootings — defined as incidents in which four or more people are shot — across the country this year.

Later in the day, the university announced that law enforcement had “neutralized the threat.” However, it advised individuals to avoid several buildings on campus that remain active crime scenes, including the Student Union and surrounding areas. The rest of the campus was considered safe.

The public university, which has more than 40,000 students, canceled all classes and campus events for the day. Officials advised students who do not live on campus to leave.

Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed her condolences, saying, “My heart breaks for the students, their families, and faculty. There is no place in American society for violence. Our entire nation is praying for the victims and their families,” she wrote on X.

Last Updated:  Apr 18, 2025 2:00 AM