The Florida State University community is shaken as police continue to search for a motive following a tragic campus shooting on Thursday that left two individuals dead and six others injured.
The alleged gunman, 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, was confronted by officers but did not comply with commands and was subsequently shot by police. Authorities have confirmed that Ikner is expected to survive.
While the police have not yet disclosed the identities of the two victims, they have stated that they were not students of the university. Food services company Aramark, which operates on campus, announced that one of its employees was among those killed in the incident.
In a statement, Aramark expressed their sorrow and support for the family and the entire Aramark community, saying, “We are absolutely shaken by the news and our deepest sympathies are with the family and our entire Aramark community.”
According to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, two of the six injured victims are anticipated to be discharged by Friday. Meanwhile, three individuals are reported to be in good condition, although one victim remains in fair condition.
Witness McKenzie Heeter, a 20-year-old junior, recounted her experience, stating she was merely feet away from the gunman when he shot a woman wearing scrubs near the student union.
Heeter recalled seeing the shooter “waving around a bigger rifle … and then he pulled out the handgun and shot that woman.” She described the woman, who had her back turned to the shooter, as being completely unaware of the impending danger, saying, “I don’t even think she registered what happened.”
In a panic-fueled sprint across campus, Heeter humorously noted, “I did a four-minute mile in sandals. I’ve never run that fast in my life.” She expressed the urgency she felt at the moment: “I felt like I have got to leave, or else it could be me next.”
Officials revealed that Ikner’s stepmother is a current deputy with the local Leon County Sheriff’s Office. While initial reports identified Jessica Ikner as the suspect’s mother, court documents clarify that she is actually his stepmother.
Sheriff Walter McNeil disclosed that Phoenix Ikner had access to one of his stepmother’s personal weapons, which was one of those recovered at the crime scene. He explained that Ikner was a “long-standing member” of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office’s Youth Advisory Council and had taken part in various training programs, indicating that he had familiarity with firearms.
Florida State University President Richard McCullough described the shooting as a “tragic and senseless act of violence” and announced the cancellation of classes and sporting events throughout the weekend. A vigil is scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m. to honor the victims.
In response to the tragedy, former President Donald Trump stated that he feels an “obligation to protect” the Second Amendment and emphasized that while these incidents are terrible, it is the people, not the guns, who are responsible for such actions.
He remarked, “It’s a shame” in reference to the shooting, reflecting a common sentiment among officials in the wake of this terrible event.
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