Intro

On April 17, 2025, a tragic mass shooting occurred at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries. The incident has deeply affected the university community and reignited discussions on campus safety and gun control.

The Incident

At approximately 11:50 a.m. EDT, 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner opened fire near the Student Union Building. Eyewitnesses reported that Ikner arrived in an orange Hummer and began shooting indiscriminately with a rifle, followed by a handgun. He was also found in possession of a shotgun, though it's unclear if it was used during the attack. The university issued an active shooter alert shortly after noon, leading to a campus-wide lockdown. Students and staff sought shelter, barricading themselves in classrooms and other secure areas. Law enforcement officers confronted Ikner after he refused to surrender, shooting and injuring him. He was taken into custody and is currently hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Victims

The two individuals killed were adult males not enrolled at FSU. One of the victims has been identified as 57-year-old Robert Morales, the university's dining director and founder of a popular Cuban restaurant in Miami. Among the six injured, five suffered gunshot wounds, and one was hurt while fleeing the scene. As of April 18, two of the injured have been discharged, three are in good condition, and one remains in fair

Shocking Details Emerge

The shooter has been identified as Phoenix Ikner. He was taken into custody after he was shot by university police.

According to public records, Ikner had changed his name from Christian Gunner Eriksen. Ikner is the step-son of a Leon County Sheriff's deputy, Jessica Ikner and previously participated in the sheriff's youth advisory council. He used his step-mother's former service handgun during the shooting. Authorities are investigating his motives, including examining his social media activity, which reportedly contains troubling content. 

Campus and Community Response

Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Rick Scott visited the injured victims, expressing their condolences. Many politicians, including Trump offered support but has not mentioned or advocated for new gun legislation. The event has intensified debates over gun control, with some officials criticizing recent efforts to relax firearm restrictions in Florida. ​

In the aftermath, FSU canceled all classes and events through April 20. Students have created memorials near the Student Union, leaving flowers, candles, and messages. Vigils are planned to honor the victims. The incident has also impacted the Florida Capitol, located just three miles from campus, prompting lawmakers to discuss school safety measures.

As the FSU community mourns, the focus remains on supporting the victims and preventing future tragedies.

Bibliography

ABC News. (17 April 2025). Police search for motive in campus attack that killed 2, injured 6.    https://abcnews.go.com/US/fsu-shooting-latest-police-search-motive-campus-attack/story?id=120939778​ 

Associated Press. (17 April 2025). Florida State gunman used deputy mom's former service weapon to kill 2 and wound 6, authorities say. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/bf66a24ea91959697c7138089b2ef6fb​

Al Jazeera. (18 April 2025). FSU shooting: What we know about the victims and suspected attacker. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/18/fsu-shooting-what-we-know-about-the-victims-and-suspected-attacker​ 

CNN. (17 April 2025). What we know about the Florida State University shooting suspect. https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/17/us/florida-state-university-shooting-phoenix-ikner-invs/index.html​ 

The Guardian. (17 April 2025). Two killed and six injured in Florida university shooting, officials say. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/fsu-tallahassee-florida-state-university-shooting​ 

People. (17 April 2025). FSU shooting suspect was son of sheriff's deputy, and gun used in shooting belonged to her: Authorities. https://people.com/fsu-shooting-suspect-son-sheriff-deputy-used-her-gun-11717580​

Politico. (17 April 2025). Tallahassee reels as FSU shooting impacts lawmakers’ backyard. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/18/tallahassee-reels-as-florida-st-shooting-impacts-lawmakers-backyard-00298349?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The Times. (17 April 2025). Florida university shooting: ‘son of sheriff’s deputy’ kills two. https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/fsu-shooting-today-florida-active-shooter-3fxtmskpx?utm_source=chatgpt.com&region=global