Active Shooter Reported on FSU’s Campus
The James D. Westcott Memorial Building on the campus of Florida State University. (Ernie A. Stephens/Unsplash)
An active shooter was reported on Florida State University’s campus in Tallahassee at noon on Thursday, according to FSU Alert.
Article by Ella Doda, Assignment Editor
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - At 12:01 pm on Thursday, Florida State University released an FSU Alert to the community warning of an active shooter on campus in the area of the Student Union. The text message alert read to seek shelter, await further instructions, and take protective measures.
Six injured victims were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Two additional victims have been reported dead. The two deceased were identified as neither students nor local law enforcement. The suspect is also being treated in a medical facility with non-life-threatening injuries. A TMH representative shared a statement with WCTV around 12:50 pm stating the following: “TMH is actively receiving and caring for patients related to an incident that has occurred at Florida State University. At this time, details are still unfolding, and we do not yet have specific information to share…We remain in close coordination with emergency responders and public safety officials.”
One suspect is in custody, according to law enforcement. He was identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a current FSU student and son of a Leon County sheriff deputy. His mother has been with the department for over 18 years and has done a tremendous job, according to Walt McNeil, Leon County Sheriff. Her son had access to one of his mother’s weapons and that weapon was found at the scene. The alleged shooter was a longstanding member of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office “Youth Advisory Council” and had engaged in several training programs within the department.
Mckenzie Heeter, a junior at FSU, told NBC News she saw the gunmen as she was outside the Student Union. She said the shooter, now known as Phoenix Ikner, arrived at the school in an orange hummer, got out of his vehicle with a rifle, and began shooting. He then went back to his car and grabbed a pistol. We now have learned that the firearm used was a handgun. TPD are unsure yet what kind. Heeter described the shooter as a “normal college dude,” according to NBC.
Students were seen bolting from the Student Union, a popular gathering place for FSU students, as the shooting unfolded. Within 30 minutes, first responders – including state troopers, fire departments, and local law enforcement– were on the scene. Around 1 pm, US Marshals were seen helping students evacuate near West Call and Dewey streets. US Attorney General Pam Bondi and the White House commented, “The FBI is on the scene at FSU and we are in coordination with them.”
Per FSU Alerts, all classes and university events scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025 and Friday, April 18, 2025 have been cancelled. Additionally, all Florida State athletics home events through Sunday, April 20, have been cancelled. In the surrounding area, Florida A&M campus issued an alert to avoid the area of the FSU campus. All Leon County schools are also in lockdown.
Student witnesses report hearing seven to eight gunshots, some say 10 to 15, before seeing students flee the building and police running towards the scene. One student in the College of Business building said they heard a teacher alerting students of the shooter. Many witnesses have shared their personal experiences of what occurred with local news and media outlets, recounting that they walked out of the building with their hands up after Tallahassee police officers helped them exit the building.
At 1:43 pm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X, “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.” Minutes later, live from the Oval Office during his meeting with the Italian Prime Minister, President Trump says he has been “fully briefed” on the active shooter at FSU. He said, “It’s a shame. Horrible thing. Horrible thing. Things like this take place. And we will have more to say about it later.”
The all clear from FSU and local law enforcement had not been issued yet as of 2:30 pm. Law enforcement is still clearing campus buildings. Leon County schools have lifted the district-wide lockdown, the district shared via X.
According to Tallahassee PD, the student reunification point is at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. This is a gathering spot for friends, family, and loved ones. People are being advised to limit phone usage at this time.
Update: Students are allowed to go back to their residence halls and are advised to stay inside. However, the Student Union and neighboring areas remain an active crime scene. TPD are requesting students stay in the halls to allow first responders to help those on campus in need.
At 4:30 pm, the FSU police, Tallahassee Police Department and Leon County Sheriff's Department spoke live in a briefing, updating on the active ongoing investigation at FSU. They confirmed that there were 9 total injured, including the shooter. The police chief says they believe the shooter acted alone and therefore, there is no further threat to the community at this time.
The Tallahassee Police Department and Leon County Sheriff's Department request that any digital tips be uploaded to the digital media line they created, which can be found at www.fbi.gov/fsushooting.
Richard McCullough, President of FSU commented that this is a “tragic day” and he is “absolutely heartbroken.” He finished his statement with “We’re family. We’ll get through this together.” President McCullough shared counseling and psychological services available for FSU faculty, staff, and students. Those resources can be found by calling: 850-644-2003.
Chief Lawrence Revell with the TPD ended the briefing by opening the floor for questions. Through this we learned that the shooter invoked his right not to speak to the police and law enforcement will not be releasing any victim information at this time. The Tallahassee Police Department will collaborate with the Florida State Attorney’s Office to determine what they’ll release in terms of body camera footage and details of the investigation.
This is an ongoing story. More information to follow. Grace Sawyer, Avery Junker and Ryan Hartnett contributed reporting to this story.