Shooting at Florida university leaves two dead, five injured

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Apr 2025 07:04

A shooting at Florida State University left two dead and five injured. The suspect, Phoenix Ikner, son of a Leon County Sheriff deputy, was shot by police after the attack.

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Students hold a vigil near the scene of a shooting near the Florida State University student center on April 17, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida, the United States. (AFP)

A shooting at a Florida university on Thursday left two people dead and five others injured, according to police in the southeastern United States. The attack took place at Florida State University, prompting a quick response from law enforcement.

Florida State University Chief of Police Jason Trumbower confirmed that the gunman opened fire on campus, targeting students before being shot by police officers.

"Two victims are deceased and five individuals have been transported to a local hospital with gunshot wounds," Trumbower said during a press briefing.

Suspect identified as Phoenix Ikner, son of Leon County Sheriff's deputy

The suspected shooter was identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at Florida State University and the son of a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Walt McNeil told reporters.

"Deputy Ikner has been with the Leon County Sheriff's Office for over 18 years," McNeil said. "She has done a tremendous job, and her service to this community has been exceptional."

Sheriff McNeil revealed that the suspect had access to one of his mother’s service weapons, which was found at the scene. He added that Phoenix Ikner had participated in various youth programs affiliated with the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

"The alleged shooter was also a long-standing member of the Sheriff's Office Youth Advisory Council. He had been deeply involved in training programs we offer, so it’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons," McNeil stated.

The United States continues to grapple with the growing number of mass shootings, prompting renewed discussions around gun control and campus safety. As the investigation continues, authorities have called for patience and cooperation from the public while they piece together the full details of the event.