Florida State University students were forced to flee campus or hide when a student opened fire (Image: AP)
An American college campus has been plunged into mourning after a student unleashed deadly chaos with a handgun on Thursday, claiming two lives and leaving several others seriously injured. The survivors of the shooting at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus are now receiving emergency medical care at the nearby Tallahassee Memorial hospital.
The armed assailant, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at FSU and the son of a local police deputy, is believed to have used his mother’s service weapon in the attack. Authorities have confirmed that the victims of the college shooting were not fellow students.
Phoenix Ikner, whose mother, Deputy Ikner, has been commended for her “exceptional service” during her 18 years as a middle school deputy, reportedly took one of the weapons from his household, which was subsequently discovered at the crime scene, according to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil.
“Regrettably, her son had access to one of her firearms, and that was the weapon discovered at the scene,” Sheriff McNeil stated, noting that ongoing investigations are looking into whether Phoenix Ikner had access to other firearms. Ikner was also a “longstanding member” of the Youth Advisory Council and had participated in various training programmes at the local police office. “So it’s not surprising to us that he had access to firearms,” McNeil added.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said they were not surprised that Phoenix had access to a weapon (Image: Fox 35 Orlando)
Authorities convened a press conference on the university grounds at 4.30pm local time (8.30pm GMT) to shed light on the events that transpired at FSU and how law enforcement neutralised the suspect. They also declared a suspension of all classes until Friday in the wake of the horrific incident.
The terrifying episode began around noon when a blond-haired assailant, driving an orange Hummer, unleashed nearly 15 rounds of gunfire, according to eyewitness accounts relayed to CNN. The university was plunged into turmoil as it was put on lockdown following the shooting, with students seen taking cover behind trees and fleeing the campus as news of the violent act spread.
Separately, police reported discovering a grey sedan containing a firearm, which could potentially be connected to the crime scene, although its relation to the orange Hummer observed by witnesses remains unclear.
Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, shared his chilling experience of seeking refuge with approximately 30 others in the bowling alley located in the lower level of the student union, following a frantic exodus from a nearby bar.
Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus (Image: Bryan Pollard via Getty Images)
“In that moment, it was survival,” Cedergren recounted. After about 15 minutes in hiding, they were safely led out by university police, where Cedergren saw someone receiving emergency medical care on the college’s lawn.
Information regarding the extent of the injuries sustained by the victims was not immediately disclosed, nor were there additional details about the individual apprehended.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell has released more details on the capture of the 20 year old gunman, informing the press that Ikner “did not comply with commands” and although he did not fire at the police. Despite this, he was subsequently shot by officers after failing to obey orders.
Authorities confirmed that the shooter was “neutralised” at approximately 3.15pm ET. Since his arrest, he has refused to answer any questions.
How the attack unfolded
The university raised an active shooter alert midday Thursday, and an array of emergency services, including ambulances, fire engines, and vehicles from different law enforcement agencies, descended on the campus area around the student union.
Following the alert, numerous students were spotted evacuating the area close to the student union. Many were absorbed in their phones, some displaying visible distress while others sought solace in the comfort of their peers.
A gathering formed beside the music school, with people waiting eagerly for further news. Attorney General Pam Bondi took to social media to voice her concern post-incident, confirming that the Justice Department is working in tandem with FBI agents at the site.
“Our priority is the safety of everyone involved,” she remarked. “We will keep updating as we learn more. Praying for all.”
Florida State University students were forced to flee the campus (Image: AP)
FBI Director Kash Patel announced his team had been comprehensively briefed on the school shooting, disclosing that agents from the FBI’s Jacksonville field office have already arrived on site. He declared: “We will provide full support to local law enforcement as needed.”
He also implored people to: “Please keep the FSU community in your prayers.”
President Donald Trump weighed in with his own comments, confirming his awareness of the incident and remarked: “It’s a horrible thing. It’s horrible that things like this take place.”
However, he also refused to take any legal action to limit access to firearms in the US, saying that the gun was not to blame for the two people killed on Thursday.
“Look, I’m a big advocate of the Second Amendment, that happened from the beginning. I protected it, and these things are terrible, but the gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when signing unrelated executive orders.
“As far as legislation is concerned, this has been going on for a long time. I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment, I ran on the Second Amendment, among many other things, and I will always protect the Second Amendment.”
