UPDATE
NBC News reports that the son of a Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy in Florida has been identified as the alleged shooter at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus Thursday, that left two people dead.
According to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, the suspected shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner.
McNeil said he wasn’t surprised the suspect had access to weapons, noting the teen was part of the sheriff’s office Citizen Advisory or Youth Advisory Council. Officials said the suspect’s mother had purchased one of her former service weapons, which was her personal property at the time of the shooting. That weapon was used in the shooting, police said.
“This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever fathom from a law enforcement perspective,” McNeil said. “But I will tell you this, we will make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say, across this state and across this nation.”
FSU Chief of Police Jason Trumbower said the deceased, who have not yet been identified, were not students. He said five others were taken to a local hospital, including the suspect, who was also receiving treatment.
Initial Coverage
At least six people have been hospitalized after an active shooter opened fire on Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus Thursday.
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, footage shows police officers apprehending the suspected gunman on the ground, shortly after students fled the student union around noon.
Onlookers described a male exiting the student union brandishing a handgun, with one witness relaying to the outlet that they heard what sounded like “automatic gunfire.”
Shortly after the shots rang out, students received an alert directing them to seek shelter, informing them that police were either present or responding.
One of the victims has been listed in critical condition, while five others are said to be in serious condition. NBC News reports that the FBI is on-site as campus, city, and state officials gather at the location, according to a bureau spokesperson.
Officials at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Hospital have not shared any information about the victims.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the school’s campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne)]