Florida State University shooting leaves at least 2 people dead and 6 injured

A shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on Thursday left two people dead and six injured. The alleged perpetrator was identified as Phoenix Ikner, 20, a student on campus who was wounded after being neutralized by police.

Authorities confirmed that Ikner used a gun registered to his mother, Jessica Ikner, a deputy with more than 18 years of service with the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

"Her service to this community has been exceptional," Sheriff Walt McNeil said at a press conference. "Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene. And we are continuing that investigation into how that weapon was used."

The fatalities were not students

According to police, the two people killed were not enrolled at the university. The area remains under guard and has been declared an active crime scene. The university suspended classes until Friday and canceled all weekend sporting events.

FSU urged its students, faculty, and staff to contact family members and follow safety recommendations as the investigation continues.

Injured persons

All six victims suffered gunshot wounds, a spokesman for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare reported. One of them is in critical condition, while the other five are in serious condition.

Response of the authorities and federal presence

The university issued an alert via X, reporting the presence of an active shooter and urging everyone on campus to seek immediate shelter.

Agents from the FBI, whose local headquarters is near the campus, rushed to the scene, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also deployed personnel from Tampa.

The FBI, including personnel from its Jacksonville office and the Tallahassee resident office, is on the scene working with local law enforcement.

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the FBI's presence and stressed that the priority is to ensure the safety of all involved. "We are in communication with agents on the ground. We will continue to report as we learn more. We pray for all," Bondi wrote in X.

“The @FBI is on the scene at Florida State, and we are in communication with agents on the ground. Our priority is the safety of everyone involved. We will keep updating as we learn more. Praying for all.”

FBI director Kash Patel and deputy director Dan Bongino also weighed in on the incident. Bongino, who was in transit from Los Angeles to Washington D.C., confirmed on X that the FBI is on the scene and that continuous updates are being received.

“The FBI is on the scene at FSU. I am en route back to DC from our LA office, but we are getting updates on the situation on the plane. We will update you as we learn more.”

Rep. Neal Dunn, whose district includes FSU, expressed concern: X: "My team and I are monitoring reports of an active shooter on FSU’s campus. It’s too early to understand the extent of the violence, but early reports are very disturbing. Follow all local guidance. Shelter in place. Stay safe. Thank you to our brave first responders for responding to the situation.”

Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis also weighed in, offering his prayers and confirming that state law enforcement is actively responding.

“Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”

Hospital on alert

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) issued a statement to Fox News, confirming that they have received patients related to the incident at FSU, though they did not provide details on the number of people treated or the nature of the treatments, citing privacy concerns.

"At this time, details are still unfolding, and we do not yet have specific 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,” TMH wrote, adding that they are coordinating with emergency services and authorities.

President Trump speaks out

President Donald Trump was briefed on the situation and made a brief comment from the Oval Office in the middle of a press conference with Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni.

"I have been briefed on the Florida State University active shooter. It’s a shame.”

As details continue to emerge, the FSU community and local and federal authorities remain focused on ensuring the safety of all involved. The agencies involved are expected to provide additional updates as the investigation progresses.