A deadly shooting at Florida State University on April 17 claimed the lives of two individuals and left six others injured, shaking the campus community and prompting a swift lockdown across the Tallahassee campus.
The suspect, 20-year-old student Phoenix Ikner, was taken into custody after being wounded during a confrontation with police. Ikner, whose mother is a longtime deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, is believed to have acted alone.
The attack unfolded near the university’s student union just after midday. Responding officers recovered multiple firearms, including a handgun in Ikner’s possession, a shotgun found nearby, and another weapon discovered in his vehicle. One of the firearms was identified as a former service weapon belonging to his mother.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive behind the shooting, and investigations are ongoing. University officials immediately canceled classes and all campus events for the weekend, offering support services for students and staff affected by the tragedy.
The incident marks one of the most devastating campus attacks in recent memory and has reignited discussions around campus security and mental health intervention.