A 20-year-old student has been taken into custody after two people were killed and six more injured in a shooting on Florida State University (FSU)’s Tallahassee campus on Thursday.
FSU police locked the campus down after reports of an active shooter emerged around midday and instructed students to shelter in place.
“An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union,” the university said on X.
“Police are on scene or on the way. 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, with eyewitness Mckenzie Heeter later saying she had seen a figure in an orange T-shirt and khaki shorts who looked like “a normal college dude” firing as many as 15 rounds on passersby from an orange Hummer.
Law enforcement officers descended on the institution and social media was flooded with clips of students and faculty members cowering beneath desks and fleeing with their hands up, with many leaving behind rucksacks and picnics abandoned on the college lawn.
“I could have sworn I saw a cop running after somebody and screaming something when we ran out,” witness Will Schatz told The Tallahessee Democrat of his experience being evacuated from the Strozier Library.
“Then when I got out, I heard seven to eight gunshots. I’m not sure if that was the shooter shooting or if the cops shot the shooter.”
Finally, reports emerged at around 1.15pm local time 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 FSU undergraduate Phoenix Ikner, a political science major, as the apprehended suspect.
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.
Her profile appeared to have been removed from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) website as of Thursday evening.
Phoenix Ikner was also a long-standing member of the LCSO’s Youth Advisory Council, McNeil said, and was part of the LCSO “family”.
He added that it was “not a surprise” that Ikner had access to firearms, given his mother’s job.
“This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever fathom from a law enforcement perspective,” McNeil added.
“But I will tell you this, we will make sure we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say, across this state and across this nation.”
Another member of the Youth Advisory Council described Ikner to The New York Times as always “in good spirits,” helpful and always proposing “really good ideas to help Leon County.”
He added that Ikner “never spoke about guns or anything,”
But the president of the Tallahassee State College’s political discourse club, whose meetings Ikner attended, told NBC News that the suspect was a fervent Donald Trump supporter who shared far-right views, including promoting white supremacy, which had made other members of the club uncomfortable.
According to online records, Ikner lives in Tallahassee, registered as a Republican in 2022 and voted in last November’s presidential election.
Earlier this year, he was interviewed by FSU News about anti-Trump protests taking place on the campus.
“I think it’s a little too late, he’s already going to be inaugurated on January 20 and there’s not really much you can do unless you outright revolt, and I don’t think anyone wants that,” he told the outlet at the time.
What is the motive?
Investigators have not yet revealed a motive for the shooting.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell told reporters that Ikner had invoked his right not to speak to investigators.
However, Revell stressed his belief that the suspect had acted alone and that there was no further threat to the public.
Who are the victims?
The two deceased victims were not students, Revell said, although he did not reveal further details or their identities.
Six others were being treated at Florida’s Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH), having been reportedly rushed there in serious conditions.
During the incident, a statement shared by TMH said it was “actively receiving and caring for patients” related to the attack, 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.”
The statement added: “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 was also being treated at the hospital.
Law enforcement sources told CNN the suspect was shot by police prior to his arrest.
Student Emily Palmer told the same network from the safety of her student housing in the aftermath of the episode: “I’m shaking… It’s just a lot going on. I’m concerned about my friends.
“I have friends in class right who are getting evacuated by police with their hands up.”
