Tallahassee, FL — Chaos ensued at Florida State University on Thursday as gunfire broke out near the student union around midday, resulting in two fatalities and five injuries. Students fled in panic as sirens blared in the backdrop of the violence that unnerved the university community. Police swiftly neutralized the suspect within minutes of the initial 911 calls, according to local authorities.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a political science junior and son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, was apprehended by university police. As of Friday, Ikner remains hospitalized with serious injuries and will eventually face multiple charges, including potentially first-degree murder. The motives behind his actions are still under investigation, with no apparent links found between Ikner and the victims.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that Ikner used a former service weapon and had further armaments in his possession, including an AR-15 rifle. The swift action of law enforcement possibly prevented more casualties. “This outcome, while tragic, could have been even worse without the immediate response of our officers,” Revell stated.
The victims included university dining coordinator, Robert Morales, and a campus vendor employee, Tiru Chabba, both of whom were mourned at a campus vigil. Five other individuals were wounded during the incident and are currently receiving medical care; all are expected to fully recover. The community response has seen an outpouring of grief and calls for action on gun control and mental health support.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered flags flown at half-staff through Monday to honor the victims and acknowledge the bravery of the first responders to the tragedy.
Investigations are still in the preliminary stages, but authorities are conducting thorough interviews with witnesses and examining Ikner’s background for clues. Revelations about Ikner’s past have emerged, including a troubled childhood evidenced by contentious court battles over his custody and unsettling behavior noted by college peers.
As Florida State University prepares to resume classes, President Richard McCullough announced the availability of remote learning options and waived attendance requirements to accommodate grieving students. This decision reflects the university’s commitment to providing ongoing support as the community begins to heal.
“This incident shakes us to the core, but it will not define us,” McCullough said, expressing resolve in the face of adversity facing the university. Meanwhile, the broader community and the nation continue grappling with the increasing frequency of mass shootings, seeking solutions to prevent future tragedies.