Florida: Two people were killed and five others injured in a shooting Thursday near the student union at Florida State University, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and the cancellation of all campus operations.
The suspected gunman, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, opened fire on students before being shot by police after failing to comply with verbal commands, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said at a news conference. Ikner, the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, was taken to a hospital and remains in custody.
Authorities said Ikner had access to his mother’s firearm, which was recovered at the scene. A shotgun was also discovered inside the student union, and another weapon was found in his vehicle.
“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the firearms found at the scene,” Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil said. “We are continuing the investigation to determine how that weapon was used and whether he had access to others.”
Revell added there is no indication Ikner fired at officers during the encounter.
Florida State University President Richard McCullough described the day as “tragic” and extended condolences to the victims and their families.
“We’re absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today,” McCullough said.
In response to the shooting, the university has canceled all classes, events and business operations through Friday. Athletic events scheduled in Tallahassee over the weekend have also been called off. Essential personnel were asked to consult their supervisors for further guidance.
President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the incident and called it a “horrible” event.
“I’ve been briefed on the Florida State University, Tallahassee, active shooting. It’s a shame. Horrible thing, horrible that things like this take place,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that the administration is “actively monitoring the situation.”
No motive for the shooting has been released as the investigation continues.
