Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Deadly Shooting Incident at Florida State University
A violent incident unfolded at Florida State University in Tallahassee on Thursday afternoon as a gunman initiated gunfire near the student union, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The afternoon shooting at the Tallahassee-based university prompted a swift response from law enforcement and sent shockwaves through the campus community.
Casualties and Injuries Reported
According to FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower, at least two individuals perished in the attack, and five others sustained gunshot wounds, requiring hospitalization at local medical facilities. Trumbower confirmed during a press briefing that the deceased individuals were not students. The assailant was also transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Suspect Identified
Earlier reports from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare indicated they were treating victims from the campus shooting. Sheriff Walt McNeil of Leon County identified the suspect as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy. Authorities stated Ikner gained access to a weapon belonging to the deputy, which matched a firearm recovered at the scene of the incident.
Investigators believe Ikner may be a student at Florida State University, though his motive for the violent outburst remains under investigation. Law enforcement officials disclosed that a handgun was used in the shooting, and a shotgun was also present at the scene. However, authorities have yet to ascertain if the shotgun was discharged during the incident.
Eyewitness Account of the FSU Shooting
Student Describes Startling Encounter
McKenzie Heeter, an FSU junior, recounted witnessing the commencement of the shooting while near the student union on Thursday afternoon.
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“I was exiting the union after picking up food. As I was walking along the adjacent road, a man drove up in an orange Hummer, alighted with a rifle, and fired in my direction. Several other students were nearby,” Heeter stated. “I believe his initial shots missed. He then re-entered his vehicle, retrieved a pistol, turned, and shot a woman who was in front of him. At that point, I immediately started running.”
Details of the Attack
Heeter estimated hearing approximately 15 gunshots over a period of 20 to 30 seconds. She promptly contacted law enforcement at 11:57 a.m. to report the active shooter situation.
She described the shooter as appearing to be a “typical college student,” dressed in an orange T-shirt and khaki shorts, and characterized him as a light-haired white male.
Initial Misconceptions and Realization of Danger
Initially, Heeter mistook the rifle for a BB gun, but quickly realized the grave reality upon hearing live rounds being fired.
“When he reappeared with the pistol, I observed him shoot the woman at very close range, approximately five feet in front of him,” Heeter recounted. She noted the woman was wearing purple scrubs and did not appear to be a student or university staff member.
Immediate Reaction and Campus Safety
“Initially, only myself and a small group of others noticed what was happening. We were moving away from the union at the time, so we immediately fled. I alerted everyone I could to stay away from the campus,” she recalled. “I ran back to my apartment as quickly as possible.”
Campus Response and Security Measures
Following the shooting, Florida State University initiated a campus-wide lockdown. Emergency alerts were disseminated to students, urging them to seek shelter and secure doors. While students have since been permitted to return to their residence halls, they are advised to continue avoiding the student union area as the police investigation proceeds.