TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – A tragic shooting occurred at Florida State University when a 20-year-old student, identified as Phoenix Ikner, opened fire on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The incident took place outside the student union around lunchtime, resulting in the deaths of two men and injuries to at least six others. As the shooting unfolded, students barricaded themselves in various locations and fled across campus, leaving behind personal belongings in a state of panic.
In the aftermath, a school-wide vigil was organized to help the university community begin the healing process following the traumatic events. Carolina Sena, a 21-year-old accounting student who witnessed the shooting, described hearing gunshots and experiencing overwhelming fear as she sought refuge in a corner of the basement with fellow students.
The shooter is believed to have accessed his mother's former service weapon—a handgun previously used by her during her 18 years with the sheriff's office. The Leon County Sheriff, Walt McNeil, noted that the shooter was an active member of the sheriff's office’s youth advisory council and had undergone training programs, explaining how he might have gained access to firearms.
Officers promptly responded to the scene and, after Ikner refused orders to surrender, shot and wounded him. As of Thursday night, he was reported to be in the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The two victims killed in the shooting were confirmed not to be students, though authorities have withheld further details regarding their identities.
Eyewitness accounts reveal harrowing moments during the shooting. Aidan Stickney, a 21-year-old business management student, described observing the shooter switch from a shotgun that jammed to a handgun, as he opened fire. Despite the chaos, Stickney managed to warn others and alert authorities. Similarly, Holden Mendez recounted his emergency response training kicked in, as he reassured other students that they were safe inside the building where he sought refuge.
Emotional tributes began appearing throughout the campus, with candles and flowers laid in honor of the victims. University President Richard McCullough expressed his condolences to the affected families as he reflected on the violence that had taken place. He echoed sentiments of heartbreak shared by many students and faculty members, reminding the university community of the importance of compassion in the face of such tragedies.
The campus had to endure another crisis reminiscent of a prior shooting incident in 2014 when the main library was the scene of gunfire, resulting in injuries and the death of the shooter. In light of the recent event, Florida State University canceled classes for the remainder of the week and all home athletic events through the upcoming Sunday as a precaution and a means to allow the community to process the situation.
The shooting incident has sparked national attention and conversation surrounding gun violence on college campuses. President Donald Trump addressed the incident, labeling it a “horrible thing” but also implying that he would not support new legislation aimed at regulating firearms, stating that the issue was with individuals rather than the guns themselves.
The shooting at Florida State University underscores the persistent challenge of gun violence within educational institutions, as students and faculty navigate the emotional aftermath of this traumatic event.
