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By RACHEL BOWMAN and BRITTANY CHAIN and BETHAN SEXTON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 17:59 BST, 17 April 2025 | Updated: 01:25 BST, 18 April 2025
Two people were killed and six injured after a gunman opened fired at Florida State University. Police have identified the suspected gunman as Phoenix Ikner, 20, the son of a current sheriff’s deputy who had access to one of her weapons.Ikner was shot by police after he refused their commands, and invoked his right not to speak when he was taken into custody. The handgun found with the suspect when he was taken into custody belonged to his mother, police said. The bloodbath took place at the college’s Tallahassee campus on Thursday after gunfire erupted near the student union at around midday.Terrified students were seen fleeing for their lives in chilling videos shared on social media. PICTURED: FSU suspected gunman Phoenix IknerPhoenix Ikner, 20, was shot by police then taken to the hospital after allegedly opening fire at Florida State University on Thursday.The shooting killed two people and left six people fighting for their lives in the hospital.Police said Ikner, who is the son of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner, invoked his right not to speak when he was taken into custody.Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said the suspect was a member of the sheriff’s office citizen advisory or Youth Advisory Council, and it is not a surprise that he had access to a weapon.The handgun obtained at the scene belonged to his mother.Shooting victims who were rushed to hospital are all expected to surviveDr. Brett Howard, a surgeon at Tallahassee Memorial Health Care, said all the surgeries took place without incident.Speaking to CNN, he said: “There were some internal injuries, but able to be managed easily and very stable.’No real concerns honestly throughout the procedures, so we’re very thankful that they went out without any issues.’He said each of the patients are ‘in good spirits and doing well.’Another student who survived Parkland shooting as a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas is forced to shelterOne of the students caught up in Thursday’s shooting was also a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland when Nikolas Cruz opened fire, killing 17.Joshua Gallagher wrote on X: ‘After living through the MSD shooting in 2018, I never thought it would hit close to home again. ‘Then I’m in the FSU Law Library and hear on alarm: active shooter on campus. No matter your politics, we need to meet—and something has to change. ‘Prayers to the victims and families.’Future FSU students were on a campus tour with their parents at the time of shootingUpwards of 100 teenagers and their families were inside an auditorium on the campus grounds when gunfire rang out on Thursday.These families were participating in an ‘admitted students tour,’ one student told CNN.Kylie Byun and her parents were among those students after she received an acceptance into her ‘dream school.’Moments after settling into the student union building, an FSU student ‘busted into the room and yelled, ‘Everyone! There is word of an active shooter on campus!’ and repeated that a couple of times,’ Byun said.“I definitely felt some degree of panic for not only me and my family’s safety, but for all the other students on campus.”Sheriff vows to do whatever it takes to prosecute deputy’s sonLeon County Sheriff Walter McNeil revealed on Thursday the suspect was the son of one of his trusted and distinguished deputies.But he vowed that would not impact the investigation or his commitment to seeking justice for victims’ families.’We will make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say across the state and across this nation,’ McNeil said.Governor Ron DeSantis addresses tragedyGovernor DeSantis expressed his condolences for the victims on Thursday night, adding that the shooter must face the full wrath of the law.’Casey and I stand in solidarity and are praying for the entire Florida state community,’ he wrote.’We’re mourning the two individuals who lost their lives in this tragic attack, and we wish well those who are currently recovering in the hospital. This killer must and will be brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law.’I want to also thank the law enforcement personnel who were on the scene, both for the university as well as for the city of Tallahassee. They ran towards the danger. They stopped this killer from inflicting more harm, and there is no question that they saved lives.’We are all Seminoles today. We stand by to help in any way that we can. God bless you and God bless Florida State University.’FSU President Richard McCullough pens emotional open letter to studentsHe wrote: ‘At lunchtime, an active shooter opened fire at the Student Union. Two were killed. Six others were injured. We are heartbroken. We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were lost. We are holding close those who are injured, and we are standing by everyone who is hurting. ‘The FSU Police Department, along with the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Highway Patrol, responded immediately and decisively. FSU Police contained the threat and prevented even greater tragedy. I am grateful for their courage and professionalism.’Right now, our focus is on taking care of people. That means the victims and their families.’It means students, faculty, and staff who were nearby and are now trying to make sense of what they experienced. And it means every person in our campus community who is feeling shaken or overwhelmed.’We are working closely with our leadership, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to ensure that everyone has the support they need. If you’re struggling, please reach out to our Counseling & Psychological Services team at (850) 644-TALK (8255). You are not alone.’There will be more updates in the days ahead, and more time to reflect and heal. But now, we mourn together. We lean on one another. And we remember who we are. We are Florida State. We are family. And we stand together.’FSU shooting suspect’s chilling social media post before campus bloodbathPhoenix Ikner, 20, has been the mass shooter who terrorized Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus on Thursday afternoon – leaving two people dead and another six fighting for their lives.In a chilling social media post which has now emerged, Ikner wrote: ‘you are my war club, my weapons for battle, with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms.’The quote is a passage from the book of Jeremiah in the Bible, which warned of an impending judgement day.Leon County Sheriff McNeil said at the press conference the gunman was a member of the department’s youth set-up and was involved in training programs, and described him as ‘steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family.’Handgun found with suspected shooter belonged to cop momThe weapon found with suspect gunman Phoenix Ikner, 20, belonged to his Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy mother, police said.’This weapon was a weapon that the deputy previously used,’ Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.’This was a handgun that that deputy used prior to them transitioning to a new handgun and so it was her personal handgun.’He explained that many departments allow an officer to purchase their old handguns after they have been issued a new one.Police reveal FSU shooting is son sheriff’s deputy and used her weaponSuspect is not speaking to law enforcementPolice said suspected gunman Phoenix Ikner, 20, invoked his right not to speak when he was taken into custody.’He did not comply with commands and was shot,’ Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.Ikner is the son of a Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy and his mother’s service weapon was found at the scene.Florida State University President addresses shootingFlorida State University President Richard McCullough called today’s violence a ‘tragic day’ for the campus community.’We’re absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today,’ he said.’Our hearts go out to our students and the victims of this of this terrible tragedy. I have to say that our law enforcement, our FSU police officers — absolute heroes in this regard.’McCullough said he visited the victims at the hospital and will work to support everyone impacted by the shooting.FSU suspected shooter identifiedThe suspected gunman has been identified as Phoenix Ikner, 20, the son of a current sheriff’s deputy who had access to one of her weapons.Officials said his mother is Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said the suspect was a member of the sheriff’s office citizen advisory or Youth Advisory Council, and it is not a surprise that he had access to a weapon.’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. ‘We are continuing that investigation into how that weapon was used and what other weapons perhaps he may have had access to.’Pictured: The shooter’s mom, Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner Two people killed in FSU shootingTwo people were killed in the Florida State University shooting, police confirmedFSU Chief of Police Jason Trumbower said the deceased, who were not named, were not students at the school.Suspect is among six hospital, sources sayThe suspect in a shooting at Florida State University is among the six people hospitalized, CNN reports.Police sources told the outlet the suspect was shot.It was previously reported that one person had been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.Parkland shooting survivors caught up in FSU bloodbathThe father of a teenager killed in the Parkland mass shooting has revealed that some of his late daughters’ friends are caught up in the violence at FSU.Fred Guttenberg took to X to express his sorrow that the students have now been involved in ‘their second school shooting’.Guttenberg’s daughter Jaime was among the 17 pepole killed by gunman Nicholas Cruz when he opened fire at Marjorie-Douglas High School in 2018.’America is broken,’ Guttenberg wrote. ‘My daughter Jaime was murdered in the Parkland school shooting. ‘Many of her friends who were lucky enough to survive that shooting went on to attend FSU. ‘Incredibly, some of them were just a part of their 2nd school shooting and some were in the student union today. ‘As a father, all I ever wanted after the Parkland shooting was to help our children be safe.’Sadly, because of the many people who refuse to do the right things about reducing gun violence, I am not surprised by what happened today.’Suspect in FSU shooting was shot, police sources sayThe suspect in a shooting at Florida State University was shot, CNN reports.Police sources told the outlet it is unclear who opened fire on the individual.It was previously reported that one person had been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.Student describes split second decision after hearing gunshots at FSUAn FSU student has described the terrifying moment she was forced to choose between barricading herself in her classroom or fleeing after a shooting broke out on campus.’It just didn’t feel real,’ Arenado told CBS News Miami. ‘I was really just scared for [a classmate’s] safety and mine too.’She recounted how a classmate got an alert on her phone and told the rest of the class.’My teacher immediately started barricading the door… and then another student said she’d rather go home, so we all just kind of ran to our cars.’I’ve had a lot of drills. But because of how big the school is… I really was scared this was something serious.’Police to give update at 4.30pm ETTallahassee Police are hoping to provide an update on the shooting at FSU this afternoon.FSU threat has been ‘neutralized’, crime scene activeFSU officials said law enforcement had ‘neutralized the threat’ following a shooting on campus.However, several areas are still out of bounds to student as they are still an active crime scene.’Please avoid the Student Union, Bellamy, HCB Classroom Building, Rovetta A&B, Moore Auditorium, Shaw, Pepper, Hecht House and Carraway,’ an update read.Staff and students are free to move elsewhere on the campus.FSU students hide as police bang on doorsOnly one shooter involved, police sources sayPolice sources told CNN that only one shooter is believed to have been behind the bloodbath at Florida State University.Previous reports by local media suggested that there were two suspects.However three law enforcement officials confirmed to CNN that the chaos was the work of a lone gunman.Several weapons linked to the suspect have already been recovered and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is tracing their serial numbers.Florida House Speaker calls FSU shooting, ‘every parent’s worst nightmare’FSU home to 45,000 studentsFSU Tallahassee is a public college located in Florida’s state capital and sits on the Sunshine State’s panhandle.It has around 45,000 students, with movie star Burt Reynolds and The Doors singer Jim Morrison among its famous alumni.The college was founded in 1851 and is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida.The main Tallahassee campus sits across 485.7 acres.At least one person reportedly dead, six injured following FSU shootingAt least one person has been killed and six people left hospitalized following a deadly shooting at FSU, NBC News reports.All six patients were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds, a spokesperson for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare told CNN.At least one victim is in critical condition, while the others were described as in a serious condition.A local media outlet previously reported the death toll as five citing police sources, however they have since revised this down to one.Officials said the number of fatalities and casualties is subject to change pending the investigation.FSU athletics events cancelled through SundayStudent describes narrowly missing shooter’s bulletsFSU student Max Jenkins described the chaotic moment a shooter emerged and began spraying bullets in his direction.’He saw the maintenance guy who was waving everybody and turned and shot that way towards our direction,’ he told the Tallahassee Democrat’s Alicia Devine.He explained that the worker was shielded by a golf cart which blocked the bullet’Then after that he turned this way and started shooting out on the green,’ Jenkins added. ‘He shot like two in our direction.’He said he saw a girl shot and then stretchered off who appeared to be alive.’I hope she is,’ he added.Vehicle and weapons belonging to suspect seizedA car believed to belong to the suspect has been discovered by police, CNN reports.The vehicle contained a weapon which police have removed.Several firearms, including a shotgun and pistol have reportedly been seized by police, and one suspect was arrested with a weapon on them, police told the outlet.Florida Governor Ron DeSantis offers ‘prayers’ for FSUEmotions running high at FSU following shootingMap shows location of FSU shootingTerrified FSU students evacuated with their hands up President reacts to shooting at FSU: ‘It’s a horrible thing’President Trump shared that he has been briefed on the fatal shooting at FSU.The president called the bloodbath on in Tallahassee a ‘shame’ and a ‘horrible thing’.’We’ll have more to say about it later,’ Trump added.Eerie photos show abandoned belongings on FSU campusStudent shares video showing evacuation at FSUFBI on the scene of FSU shootingHaunting echoes of FSU shooting 11 years agoThursday’s FSU shooting is not the first time such horror has unfolded on the campus.In 2014, three people were injured after Myron May opened fire on the campus.The mentally ill lawyer was later shot dead.At least six people injured following FSU shootingAt least six people have been hospitalized following a shooting at FSU.One patient is in a critical condition, while the other five are described as in a serious condition.Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare spokesperson Stephanie Derzypolski confirmed the hospital has received all the patients.No deaths have been confirmed so far.FSU students wait for news following shootingFSU student shares terror amid reported shootingEmily Palmer, 21, told CNN she was near the student union when she became aware of a ‘dangeorus situation’ unfolding.She has since retreated to the safety of her student housing.’I’m shaking … It’s just a lot going on,’ she said. ‘I’m concerned about my friends.’I have friends in class right who are getting evacuated by police with their hands up.’Suspect in custody following FSU shootingA suspect has been detained and is in custody following reports of a shooting at Florida State University, CNN reports.The outlet said tha law enforcement sources had confirmed the arrest.Classes cancelled as FSU remains on lockdownArmed police seen storming campus Four people hospitalized so farAt least four people have been hospitalized following reports of a shooting at the FSU campus.The individuals were transported to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, a spokesperson for the hospital told NBC.No further details on their conditions were given.People seen fleeing amid reports of active shooterActive shooter reported on FSU campusA shelter in place order was issued for an active shooter at Florida State University just after midday Thursday.The shooting reportedly took place near the student union.Terrified students were seen fleeing the area shortly after the warning was issued.
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Six fighting for life in hospital after FSU shooting
