Fri Apr 18 14:59:14 UTC 2025: ## Florida State University Mass Shooting Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured

**Tallahassee, FL** – A mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday left two people dead and at least six others injured. The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, an FSU student and son of a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy, was apprehended after a shootout with police and is currently hospitalized.

The shooting occurred around 11:50 a.m. ET outside the student union on the main campus. Witnesses reported seeing Ikner exit a vehicle with a shotgun, which jammed, before returning with a handgun and opening fire. Students and faculty scrambled for safety, prompting a university-wide active shooter alert. Law enforcement quickly neutralized the threat.

While authorities have not yet released a motive, they confirmed Ikner used a handgun belonging to his mother, a Sheriff’s deputy of 18 years, which had previously been a service weapon. Police believe he also brought a shotgun to campus, though it was not used in the attack. The two deceased victims were not FSU students. Five individuals suffered gunshot wounds, and another sustained injuries while fleeing the scene. All injured parties are receiving treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, along with the shooter.

The incident has renewed the national debate on gun control. President Trump, while expressing sorrow, reiterated his opposition to stricter gun laws, stating, “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis offered prayers and support to the FSU community. Classes at the main campus have been canceled for Thursday and Friday.

This marks the second shooting at FSU in 11 years. The incident further highlights the ongoing struggle to balance the Second Amendment right to bear arms with the need for gun safety measures. Organizations like GIFFORDS advocate for stricter laws, while groups such as the NRA oppose further restrictions. The shooting is one of 81 mass shootings recorded in the US so far this year by the Gun Violence Archive.

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