A shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, left two people dead and five others injured on Thursday, according to CNN. The violence broke out near the student union when a 20-year-old suspect opened fire on students.
Police Identify and Confront the Shooter
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said that officers shot the gunman after he refused to follow their commands. “He did not comply with commands,” Revell told reporters at a press conference. The suspect, now hospitalized, has not been accused of firing at the police.
Suspect is Sheriff’s Son
Leon County Sheriff Walter A. McNeil identified the shooter as Phoenix Ikner, the 20-year-old son of a local sheriff’s deputy. “The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a Leon County Sheriff Deputy,” McNeil confirmed during a press briefing.
Guns Found at Multiple Locations
Authorities found a handgun on the suspect and recovered a shotgun from the student union. Another firearm was discovered in his vehicle. McNeil stated, “Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.”
The sheriff also mentioned that the investigation continues to determine how the shooter got access to the weapons and whether more were involved. “We are continuing that investigation into how that weapon was used and what other weapons perhaps he may have had access to,” McNeil said.
University Cancels Classes and Events
In response to the tragedy, FSU President Richard McCullough expressed his sorrow. “We’re absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today,” he said. The university cancelled all classes, events, and business operations through Friday. Athletic events scheduled for the weekend in Tallahassee have also been called off. Essential employees were told to contact their supervisors for further instructions.
Trump Briefed on the Shooting
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump acknowledged the shooting during a media interaction in the Oval Office. “I’ve been briefed on the Florida State University, Tallahassee, active shooting. I guess it’s an active shooter, fully briefed as to where we are right now. It’s a shame. Horrible thing, horrible that things like this take place, and we’ll have more to say about it later,” Trump said.
White House Monitoring Situation
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is closely watching developments. “The President has been briefed on the shooting at Florida State University and the White House is actively monitoring the situation,” she said in a statement.
