FSU shooter Phoenix Ikner faces two counts of murder after campus attack

In Tallahassee, Florida, on April 17, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at Florida State University, where Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student, opened fire, killing two individuals and injuring six others. The shooting took place just before lunchtime near the student union. Ikner used a handgun believed to be a former service weapon belonging to his stepmother, who is an officer with the Leon County Sheriff's Office. His discharge from a local hospital followed multiple surgeries for injuries he sustained after law enforcement confronted him during the attack. The rapid response from law enforcement, including campus police who shot Ikner in the jaw, played a crucial role in minimizing further casualties during this tragic incident. Investigators have revealed that within minutes of the initial report of gunfire, officers confronted Ikner, leading to his being wounded and eventually apprehended. Authorities have indicated that the weapon used in the shooting was taken from Ikner's family home, raising concerns regarding gun storage and access for individuals in sensitive situations. Following his arrest, a grand jury indicted Ikner on two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder with a firearm. The indictment reports detail the harrowing nature of the shooting and the tremendous effort of law enforcement to contain the situation and prevent additional bloodshed. According to authorities, the victims included a university dining coordinator and a campus vendor employee, both innocent individuals caught in a moment of unspeakable violence. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, as investigators have found no links between Ikner and his victims. Concerns have also emerged regarding Ikner's past; his former classmates suggested he had expressed extreme political views, though it is yet to be determined if these beliefs influenced his actions on that day. After the shooting, the stepmother of Ikner, a longtime officer with the sheriff's department, took personal leave from her position, and investigations into how her service weapon was accessed continue. The community is left grappling with the implications of this event as authorities emphasize the importance of safety and the need for preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.