Tragedy Strikes FSU: Two Killed, Six Injured in Campus Shooting by Deputy’s Son

A tragic mass shooting unfolded at Florida State University in Tallahassee on April 17, leaving two people dead and six others injured, according to authorities. The alleged shooter, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at the university and the son of a local sheriff’s deputy, opened fire near the student union during the lunch hour.

Chaos erupted across campus as students scrambled for safety, many barricading themselves inside classrooms and campus buildings. Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and disbelief.

"Everyone started freaking out," said Sam Swartz, a student who was working on a group project in the basement of the union building. "We heard about 10 shots. We grabbed trashcans and plywood to block ourselves in a corner—just hoping the shooter wouldn’t take the time to find us.”

The campus remained on lockdown for hours as police secured the area and tended to the wounded. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.