In a shocking incident at Florida State University, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner is accused of using his mother's former police weapon to commit a shooting, resulting in two fatalities and several injuries. The suspect's motives remain unclear, but the tragedy has reignited discussions on gun violence and regulation in the U.S.
Tragedy Strikes Florida College as Gunman Opens Fire, Leaving Two Dead
Tragedy Strikes Florida College as Gunman Opens Fire, Leaving Two Dead
A Florida State University student, using his mother’s police service weapon, kills two and injures six, prompting discussions on gun access and regulations.
A shooting at Florida State University (FSU) has left two people dead and six others injured after 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner allegedly opened fire near the student union building in Tallahassee. Ikner is a student at FSU and the son of Jessica Ikner, a Leon County police officer who retained possession of her former service firearm following a departmental upgrade of weapons.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots around midday, causing panic as students fled the area. Videos from the scene show law enforcement responding swiftly to the unfolding crisis. Although both deceased individuals were confirmed not to be students, their identities have not been made public.
Sheriff Walt McNeil addressed the media, stating the suspect was involved in the sheriff's office youth advisory council and had access to firearms. Police have also located a shotgun at the shooting scene. The motivation behind the attack remains unknown.
Reports indicate that Ikner was previously involved in a campus protest against the inauguration of former President Donald Trump, but details of any possible links between his activism and the shooting have not been clarified.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his condolences to the FSU community, noting the prompt response from law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, comments from President Trump on gun regulations reflected his longstanding support for Second Amendment rights, emphasizing his reluctance to change gun laws following such incidents.
This tragedy is not the first of its kind in FSU’s history; the university experienced another shooting in 2015 when a graduate opened fire in the library.
Gun control advocates are voicing their concerns, especially given that survivors of previous school shootings were present during this latest event. Fred Guttenberg, father of a victim from the Parkland shooting, condemned the ongoing cycle of gun violence and its impact on the community, reminding us of the need for urgent reforms.
