Two people were killed and six more were injured in a shooting on Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus on Thursday, with a 20-year-old student later taken into custody.
FSU police locked the campus down after reports of an active shooter and students were told to shelter in place.
“An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way,” the university said on X. “Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.”
Multiple gunshots were reported and a heavy police presence followed at the scene. Around 1.15 p.m. local time, CNN reported that a suspect had been taken into custody.
Here’s what we know about the shooter so far:
Who is the shooter?
At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil named the suspect as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student FSU.
McNeil revealed that Ikner was the son of Leon County deputy Jessica Ikner, and had used a weapon owned by his mother to carry out the shooting. Deputy Ikner had been on the force for 18 years and also worked as a school resource officer.
Deputy Ikner’s information had been removed from the LCSO website as of Thursday evening.
The youngster was also a long-standing member of the LCSO youth advisory committee, McNeil said, and was “steeped” in the “family” of the sheriff’s office.
He added that it was “not a surprise” that Ikner had access to firearms, given his mother’s job.
According to online records, Ikner lives in Tallahasee, and registered as a Republican in 2022. He last voted in November 2024, according to the records.
What is the motive?
It is unknown if Ikner had a specific motive for carrying out the shooting. Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell told reporters he had invoked his right not to speak to investigators.
However, Revell stressed they believe he worked alone and that there was no further threat to the public.
Who are the victims?
The two deceased victims were not students, Revell said, though he did not reveal further details or their identities.
Six others are being treated at Florida’s Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, having been taken there in serious condition.
During the incident a statement shared by TMH said it was “actively receiving and caring for patients” related to the incident but did not have further information to share.
“However, we want to assure the community that our teams are fully mobilized and prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected. We remain in close coordination with emergency responders and public safety officials.
“Out of respect for patient privacy and to ensure accurate information, we will provide updates as soon as they are available. We ask for your patience and compassion during this difficult time.”
Ikner is also being treated at the hospital. Law enforcement sources told CNN the suspect was shot in the incident by police.
