Two people were killed and seven others, including the suspect, were injured in a shooting at the Florida State University on April 17, law enforcement officers confirmed.
Florida State University chief of police, Jason Trumbower, said that the suspected gunman, 20-year-old student Phoenix Ikner, opened fire at approximately 11:50 a.m.
Ikner was identified by Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil as the son of a current Leon County sheriff’s deputy.
“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene, and we are continuing that investigation into how that weapon was used and what other weapons, perhaps, he may have had access to,” McNeil said.
Ikner was also a longstanding member of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office youth advisory council.
“So he has been steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family [and] engaged in a number of training programs that we have. So it’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” McNeil said. “This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever [fathom] from a law enforcement perspective.”
The sheriff said the department would “send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County and ... across this state and across this nation.”
The shooting incident was confirmed by FSUAlert, the school’s official emergency notification and warning system, shortly after 12 p.m. ET. The alert stated the offender was in the area of the Student Union and that students should shelter in place, triggering an immediate response.
Six patients were sent to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. The hospital confirmed over the phone and via email to The Epoch Times that five of the patients are in serious condition and one is in critical condition.
At that time, no deaths were reported by the hospital.
Law enforcement officials did not reveal the identities of the two fatalities but said that they were not students.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence E. Revell also confirmed that the shooter was sent to the hospital, stating that he was shot after failing to comply when confronted by officers.
He also said Ikner is not believed to have shot at the officers, and he is believed to have been acting alone.
Revell said Ikner invoked his rights not to speak with law enforcement when he was arrested.
He confirmed that Ikner’s mother was an Florida State University school resource officer.
The weapon that police believe Ikner wielded was a personal handgun that his mother had “previously used a lot of times,” Revell said.
Ikner was also allegedly found with a shotgun, but police have not yet confirmed if any of the victims were shot with it.
None of the victims were members of law enforcement, according to police.
When police engaged with Ikner at the scene, he did not comply with demands and “was shot,” Revell said.
He said police were not aware that Ikner had any prior behavioral conditions or concerns before the incident took place on April 17.
The active shooter report triggered a massive response from local, state, and federal agencies, and officers at all three levels gave praise for the effectiveness of their coordinated response. They also expressed their condolences for the victims and their families.
“Let me say to you, this is obviously a heinous crime,” McNeil said. “Our deepest condolences go out to the FSU family, the families of the students who are here, and we understand that you all have been devastated because of this person’s actions.”
FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the agency was also involved.
As of 2:44 p.m. local time, FSUAlert confirmed that the situation had evolved to an extent that law enforcement was beginning to clear rooms across the main campus.
At 3:17 p.m., FSUAlert notified its students that law enforcement officers had “neutralized the threat.”
However, the Student Union and the surrounding area were still considered an active crime scene, according to the alert.
That status remained in place as the investigation continues. Hugo Reynolds, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Jacksonville field office, announced the opening of an FBI tip page where people can upload pictures and videos taken throughout the day.
The university has canceled classes and business operations on the main campus through April 18, and athletic events are canceled through April 20.
Florida State University announced that it was providing counseling, health care, and other support services to students and family members at the Donald L. Tucker Center, and asked all students, faculty, and staff to call their family or loved ones as soon as possible to provide updates on their status.
The Student Union, Bellamy, HCB Classroom Building, Rovetta A&B, Moore Auditorium, Shaw, Pepper, Hecht House, and Carraway are all still considered an active crime scene, and individuals should avoid the area, according to FSU’s update. Students should not return to the area to retrieve personal property at this time.
Students may leave the campus for the weekend, the update said.
Anyone in need of immediate emergency assistance is instructed to call 9-11 or Florida State University police at 850-644-1234. Essential employees should check with their supervisors for further reporting guidelines, the update stated.
President Donald Trump briefly sidetracked from his ongoing bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House to address the shooting. He told members of the media that he was briefed on it, it was a “horrible thing” and his office would have more to say on it later.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also reacted to the news, stating, “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
