A detailed account of the Florida State University (FSU) active shooter incident on April 17, 2025. Learn about the timeline, victims, suspect, and the university's response to this tragic event.
Overview of the FSU Active Shooter Incident on April 17, 2025
On April 17, 2025, Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, experienced a tragic active shooter event. The incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, was apprehended by law enforcement after being shot and is currently hospitalized. AP NewsPOLITICO+4FSView+4Latest news & breaking headlines+4
Detailed Timeline of Events
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11:45 AM: FSU issued a shelter-in-place alert, warning of a dangerous situation on campus. emergency.fsu.edu+2FOX 13 Tampa Bay+2police.fsu.edu+2
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11:50 AM: Gunfire erupted near the Student Union building. Witnesses reported chaos as students fled or sought shelter. Florida State University News+6Reuters+6Latest news & breaking headlines+6Latest news & breaking headlines+1Reuters+1
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12:22 PM: FSU provided an update, stating that officers were pursuing a suspect potentially armed with a handgun. FOX 13 Tampa Bay
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Shortly After: Law enforcement confronted Ikner, who refused to surrender. Officers shot and apprehended him. AP News+4FSView+4Latest news & breaking headlines+4
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Post-Incident: An all-clear was given, and the campus community was informed that the situation was under control. Reuters+7FOX 13 Tampa Bay+7NBC 6 South Florida+7
Victims and Injuries
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Fatalities: Two men were killed in the shooting. Authorities confirmed that the victims were not FSU students. Latest news & breaking headlines+3FSView+3AP News+3
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Injuries: Six individuals were injured—five sustained gunshot wounds, and one was injured while fleeing the scene. The injured are receiving medical treatment, with one person reported in critical condition. AP NewsLatest news & breaking headlines
Profile of the Suspect: Phoenix Ikner
Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student, is the son of a Leon County sheriff's deputy. He was previously involved with the sheriff's office's youth advisory council. Ikner used his mother's former service handgun during the attack and was also found carrying a shotgun, though it's unclear if it was discharged. emergency.fsu.edu+6FSView+6Reuters+6Reuters+3Latest news & breaking headlines+3AP News+3
Campus and Community Response
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University Actions: FSU canceled classes and athletic events for the remainder of the week. Students and staff organized vigils and memorials to honor the victims. AP News
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Law Enforcement: The campus experienced a significant police presence during and after the incident. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the shooting. AP News
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Political Reactions: The shooting prompted discussions among lawmakers about campus safety and gun control measures. Some officials called for stronger school safety protocols, while others emphasized the need for comprehensive gun reform. POLITICO
Safety Measures and Resources
FSU has implemented several safety protocols to prepare for and respond to emergencies:
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FSU ALERT System: A comprehensive emergency notification system that disseminates alerts via text messages, emails, sirens, and more. emergency.fsu.edu
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SeminoleSAFE App: A mobile application providing real-time safety information, emergency alerts, and resources. emergency.fsu.edu
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Active Shooter Training: The FSU Police Department offers training sessions based on the "Run. Hide. Fight." model to educate the campus community on how to respond during active shooter situations. emergency.fsu.edu+5Florida State University News+5Florida State University News+5
Conclusion
The April 17, 2025, active shooter incident at Florida State University has deeply affected the campus and the broader Tallahassee community. As investigations continue, the university and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to support victims, enhance campus safety, and prevent future tragedies.police.fsu.edu+11Latest news & breaking headlines+11Reuters+11
For ongoing updates and resources, please refer to official FSU communications and local news outlets.
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