Florida [US]: A tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on Thursday claimed the lives of two people and left five others injured, according to CNN reports. The incident occurred near the university’s student union, when a 20-year-old gunman opened fire on students.
The suspect, Phoenix Ikner, was shot by police after failing to comply with commands and has since been hospitalized, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed during a press conference.
“The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a Leon County Sheriff Deputy,”
said Leon County Sheriff Walter A. McNeil.
Revell noted that officers do not believe Ikner fired at law enforcement personnel. Authorities recovered a handgun from the suspect, and additional firearms—including a shotgun inside the Student Union and another weapon in his vehicle—were found during the investigation.
“Unfortunately, her son (Deputy Sheriff’s son) had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene,” McNeil added.
“We are continuing that investigation into how that weapon was used and what other weapons perhaps he may have had access to.”
Calling the shooting a heartbreaking moment for the university, FSU President Richard McCullough expressed sorrow over the incident:
“We’re absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today,” he said at a news conference.
“It’s a tragic day.”
In response to the incident, the university has cancelled all classes, events, and business operations through Friday. Essential employees have been instructed to check with their supervisors, and all athletic events scheduled in Tallahassee over the weekend have also been cancelled.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump commented on the shooting during an Oval Office interaction with reporters:
“I’ve been briefed on the Florida State University, Tallahassee, active shooting. I guess it’s an active shooter, fully briefed as to where we are right now. It’s a shame. Horrible thing, horrible that things like this take place, and we’ll have more to say about it later,” he stated.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also released a statement:
“The President has been briefed on the shooting at Florida State University and the White House is actively monitoring the situation.”