News | April 22nd, 2025

Two Dead, Six Injured in Shooting at Florida State University; FAMU Students Criticize Response

By: Trinity Talton | Online Editor

Two people were killed and six others injured in a shooting on Florida State University’s campus Thursday afternoon, April 17, prompting lockdowns and police response. 

Students Shelter as Gunfire Erupts at FSU 

Mikaela Lee, a senior dance student at FSU, said she was in a meeting when the shooting began. 

“The campus security alarm went off and an alert was sent out, so we immediately started hiding in corners and getting under tables,” Lee said. “My production manager ended up locking all of the doors in the dance building, then told us we needed to barricade the doors and turn all the lights off.” 

Law enforcement responded to an alert that came around noon on Thursday afternoon. The shooter, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, opened fire at FSU’s Student Union before being apprehended by police.  

According to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell, Ikner was shot by police after refusing to comply with demands to surrender and was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare to treat his injuries.  

Ikner was identified as the stepson of a former Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy, and one of the weapons found at the crime scene was identified as his mother’s retired service weapon. 

FSU sent out alerts to students that advised them to shelter in place, lock and stay away from doors and windows, and be prepared to take additional protective measures. By 3:23p.m, FSU stated that the campus had been secured, but certain areas were considered active crime scenes. 

“I was sitting in the office when a guy looking terrified said there was an active shooter on campus,” Gonzalez said. “I went into the back office for safety because the office I was in was right next to the door. I was in there until a little after 3 p.m.” 

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare confirmed that six patients were taken into their care and are currently being treated for their injuries. All the patients are in fair condition.  

Classes Canceled, Community in Mourning After FSU Shooting 

The University canceled classes on Thursday and Friday and all athletics events through Sunday, April 20. They will also open a support center for students to get counseling, ask questions and get assistance from Victim’s Advocate services. The University is also holding a vigil for victims of the shooting on Friday, April 18, at  5 p.m. in front of the Unconquered Statue. 

FSU students also gathered on campus to create makeshift memorials with flowers, letters and teddy bears to honor victims of the shooting and survivors. 

In response to the shooting, Leon County Public Schools went on lockdown at 12:15 p.m. and released all high schools at 1:50, avoiding Tennessee Street and areas near FSU. TSC canceled classes on Friday out of respect for the victims of the FSU shooting. 

FAMU Students Criticize Delayed Response to Nearby Shooting 

FAMU also canceled classes on Thursday and Friday out of respect for FSU, but many students felt like FAMU’s initial response wasn’t appropriate. 

FAMU originally sent out an alert at 12:19 about an armed intruder near FSU and said there was no threat to FAMU at this time. No other information about the shooting was sent out, and the campus was left open until about 2:45 when the university sent out another alert announcing the cancellation of classes for the day. 

Many FAMU students felt like the university’s response to the shooting was delayed and did not prioritize the safety of their students and staff, especially since the shooting was near campus.  

Brandon Haywood, a senior psychology student, echoed other student’s concerns about FAMU’s communication regarding the incident.  

“It took them two to three hours after we got the alert that FSU had a shooting,” Haywood said. “I can’t even say that campus is actually closed because all the campus restaurants are still open. Just say you don’t care about our safety.” 

FAMU has since posted an Instagram post about the event and adjusted hours of operations due to campus closure. A message from Interim President Timothy Beard was also sent out around 7 p.m. Thursday, addressing concerns and assuring students that FAMU was not in danger during the incident.  

“We recognize that receiving a notification about an active threat at FSU is unnerving and unexpected,” The message reads. “I want to assure you that at no time was the FAMU campus in imminent danger. We deeply appreciate your cooperation in steering clear of the impacted area.” 

FAMU also announced a campus safety town hall in partnership with the Student Government Association next week and opened mental health services for students from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday in the CASS building.