What to Know About the Florida State University Campus Shooting

Two of the people injured in the shooting were expected to be discharged from hospital on April 18.

Police investigate the scene of a shooting near the student union at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla., on April 17, 2025. Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images

Florida State University’s campus became a deadly crime scene just before noon on April 17, as a student opened fire, killing two people and injuring six others before he was shot and apprehended by law enforcement officers.

Students were invited to a “Gathering of Unity Vigil” in front of the university’s landmark Unconquered Statue at 5 p.m. on April 18 to mourn the victims and support those affected by the incident.

Meanwhile, several victims remain hospitalized as local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies continue to investigate.

Here’s we know about the incident so far:

Who Is the Suspected Shooter?

According to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, the suspected shooter is 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a current Leon County deputy.

The handgun he allegedly used was one of her former service weapons. He was also allegedly found with a shotgun.

Police have not revealed a possible motive.

“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene,” McNeil said during an April 17 press conference.

“We are continuing that investigation into how that weapon was used and what other weapons, perhaps, he may have had access to.”

Ikner was 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.”

He was also believed to have been a Florida State University student.

Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence E. Revell said that Ikner was shot after failing to comply with law enforcement orders.

Ikner is not believed to have shot at the officers.

Police said he is believed to have been acting alone, and police were not aware of any prior behavioral conditions or concerns before the incident.

How Long Did the Shooting Last?

The Tallahassee Police Department said on April 18 that the incident lasted five minutes.

Ikner fired his first shot between 11:56 a.m. and 11:57 a.m., initially reported by police to have taken place at approximately 11:50 a.m.

Emergency calls began going out at 11:58 a.m., with police responding immediately.

Ikner reportedly walked in and out of buildings and across green spaces, firing the handgun. He was shot and taken into custody at noon.

“What we saw on April 17 was an extraordinary example of teamwork and professionalism in the face of a horrific event,” Revell said in an April 18 press release.

“From the moment the call came in, agencies across our region came together seamlessly, sharing information and deploying resources with public safety the top priority.

“This kind of response doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of training, partnerships, and a shared commitment to protecting our community.”

The university’s campus was under lockdown for roughly three hours, with the first emergency alert going out after the suspect was apprehended.

Law enforcement officers began clearing rooms across the main campus just before 2:45 p.m., and FSUAlert announced that officers “neutralized the threat” at 3:17 p.m.

While they could leave their hiding places, the students were told to avoid the student union and other parts of campus as they remained active crime scenes.

How Are the Victims?

The active-shooter incident resulted in two deaths. Police confirmed that they were not students. As of publication time, authorities have not revealed their identities.

Six other victims were reportedly injured, with at least five being taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, along with the shooting suspect.

The hospital confirmed that six patients were received. Five were reported to be in serious condition, while one was in critical condition.

It announced on April 18 that two were expected to be discharged that day, while three others have improved and are in good condition. One remains in fair condition.

The hospital did not provide any further details of the injuries or the status of the shooting suspect.

What Happens Next?

While the victims recover, the community mourns, and law enforcement’s investigation continues.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation launched a digital tips and media line for students to submit the pictures and videos they took as evidence.

Tallahassee Police are asking people with additional information to call 850-891-4200, or 850-574-TIPS for those who wish to remain anonymous.

Classes and business operations on the main campus were canceled through April 18, and athletic events were canceled until April 20.