FSU Student’s Shooting Rampage Near Student Union Leaves Six Wounded, Campus in Mourning
In the heart of Tallahassee, a vibrant college campus was shattered by violence on April 17, 2025, when gunfire erupted near Florida State University’s Student Union, leaving two dead and six others wounded. The tragedy unfolded just before noon, as students went about their daily routines—attending classes, grabbing lunch, or studying in the bustling hub of campus life. The sudden sound of gunshots sent hundreds fleeing in panic, barricading themselves in classrooms or hiding under tables, their hearts racing as the university’s alert system blared warnings of an active shooter. For those who witnessed the chaos, the day would leave an indelible mark, a stark reminder of the fragility of safety in places meant for learning and growth.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a political science major at FSU, was taken into custody after being wounded by responding officers. Ikner, the son of a veteran Leon County sheriff’s deputy, used his mother’s former service handgun, which she had purchased as personal property after receiving a new weapon, along with a shotgun found at the scene. A third firearm was later discovered in his vehicle. Authorities confirmed that Ikner acted alone, dispelling early rumors of multiple gunmen, and there was no ongoing threat to the community. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is tracing the weapons’ origins, while the FBI’s Jacksonville and Tallahassee offices are assisting local police in a thorough investigation to uncover the motive behind the attack.
The two victims who lost their lives were not students, though their identities have not been released pending family notifications. Of the six injured, one remains in critical condition at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, with the others listed as serious. Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture: students like sophomore Paula Maldonado described barricading classroom doors with desks and shielding themselves with backpacks, whispering in fear as police swept the area. Another student, Victor Castillo, was eating lunch in the Student Union when he heard what he thought were explosions, only to realize they were gunshots. He hid under a stool, his ears ringing, until officers evacuated the building. The emotional toll was palpable across campus, with images of students comforting one another circulating widely, capturing a community grappling with shock and grief.
FSU’s response was swift. At 12:01 p.m., the university issued an alert urging students and staff to shelter in place, lock doors, and avoid windows. By 3:15 p.m., police had neutralized the threat, though the Student Union and several surrounding buildings remained an active crime scene. All classes and business operations were canceled through Friday, and athletic events were halted through Sunday. A reunification center was established at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center to help students reconnect with loved ones. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed solidarity, stating, “Our prayers are with our FSU family,” while President Donald Trump, briefed on the situation, called the incident “horrible” and reaffirmed his commitment to Second Amendment protections.
This tragedy marks the second time in just over a decade that FSU has faced such violence, following a 2014 shooting at Strozier Library that left three wounded. The recurrence has reignited discussions about campus safety and gun violence, with the FSU College Democrats declaring, “No student should ever have to experience fear like this.” As the investigation continues, the university and Tallahassee community are left to mourn, heal, and confront the sobering reality of a day that began like any other but ended in heartbreak.
