Florida State University Shooting: 2 Dead, 1 In Custody, 5 Hospitalized

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A shooting at Florida State University near the Student Union on April 17, 2025, killed two people and injured six others.

The suspect, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, an FSU student and son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, is in custody and receiving medical treatment after being shot by police.

The incident began around 11:50 a.m. with gunshots reported inside the Student Union. FSU issued an active shooter alert at 12:01 p.m., instructing students and staff to shelter in place.

Police neutralized the threat by 3:15 p.m., but the Student Union and nearby buildings remain an active crime scene.

All classes and operations on the main campus are canceled through April 18, and athletic events are canceled through Sunday.

Graphic images of victims who appear to be bleeding from gunshot wounds are circulating on social media.

One video that has since been taken down, depicted a bleeding young woman in jeans lying down still on the grass just off of a campus sidewalk.

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare treated six victims, one in critical condition and five in serious condition, all with gunshot wounds. The two deceased were not FSU students.

Authorities recovered three firearms: a handgun, believed to be a deputy’s former service weapon owned by Ikner’s mother, a shotgun, and another firearm found in a nearby car.

“We stand with Florida State University. Today, we are all Seminoles.,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis posted on X.

The Tucker Center is serving as the student and family assistance center for those impacted by the tragedy today. Counseling and other support services are available at the Tucker Center.