TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – At least two people have died after there was an active shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee, according to NBC News.
At least five people have reportedly been injured, and at least one suspect is in police custody.
Recommended Videos
The shooting was first reported shortly after 12 p.m. by the college’s alert system.
Authorities have confirmed the suspect is Phoenix Ikner, the son of a Sheriff’s Deputy and School Resource Officer. Ikner used a weapon that his mother had previously used as a service weapon, which was a handgun.
An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measur https://t.co/cBrbt0cLe6
— FSU Alert (@FSUAlert) April 17, 2025
Police were on scene or on the way around noon, officials said. Students and faculty were instructed to continue to seek shelter and await further instructions.
“Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures,” students were told.
Shortly before 3:30 p.m., the school officially announced that the threat had been “neutralized.” Students were still told to avoid the areas near the shooting, as they are still considered to be an active crime scene.
Law enforcement has neutralized the threat. Please avoid the Student Union, Bellamy, HCB Classroom Building, Rovetta A&B, Moore Auditorium, Shaw, Pepper, Hecht House and Carraway as they are still considered an active crime scene.
— Florida State University (@FloridaState) April 17, 2025
Individuals are free to move about other areas… pic.twitter.com/mm7K4UZItH
Community reactions
FSU meteorology student Garrett Harvey, who was on the campus during the attack, posted a video on X showing students frantically running across the street to get away from the school.
There is a shooting around the student
— Garrett Harvey (@WeatherGarrett) April 17, 2025
Union. People are running across TN Street pic.twitter.com/B47a4iKJ8h
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement acknowledged the situation and said they were engaging.
FDLE is actively engaged in the incident on FSU's campus, and we will update the public with more information as soon as possible.
— FDLE (@fdlepio) April 17, 2025
Houston Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also posted about the shooting, sending his support for those involved in the incident.
Praying for protection for students, faculty and first responders in Tallahassee, Florida as there are reports of an active shooter situation at Florida State University. This is a developing situation.
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) April 17, 2025
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also released a statement.
Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding. https://t.co/gT4mDwWsGC
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 17, 2025
The Associated Press and NBC News contributed to this report.
