Two Dead in Shooting at Florida State University

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — A shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday left two people dead and at least six others injured. The incident occurred around 11:50 a.m. ET outside the student union, prompting a quick response from law enforcement and creating chaos as students and parents fled the area.

The university issued an active shooter alert immediately following the gunfire. Police apprehended the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who was shot and wounded during the arrest. Ikner, a student at FSU, is the son of a local sheriff’s deputy.

Law enforcement officials, including Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil, stated that Ikner gained access to a handgun belonging to his mother, who has worked for the sheriff’s department for 18 years. Reports suggest Ikner may have also brought a shotgun to the scene, though no victims have been confirmed as harmed by it.

A witness, 21-year-old Aidan Stickney, described seeing Ikner exit a vehicle with a shotgun and subsequently open fire with a handgun. The police responded swiftly, taking Ikner into custody after shooting him when he attempted to flee.

The two deceased victims were not affiliated with FSU. They have been identified as Robert Morales, a university dining coordinator, and Tiru Chabba, a food service vendor. Both families expressed grief over their losses through social media.

This tragic event marked the second shooting incident at FSU in 11 years, with the last occurring in 2014. As the campus remains in mourning, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and announced that classes would be canceled for two days.

As the investigation continues, officials have not disclosed the suspect’s motive. Survivors of the attack are receiving treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where more information about their conditions is forthcoming.