A tragic shooting at Florida State University's Tallahassee campus Thursday left students running for their lives as a gunman opened fire from an orange Hummer.
According to Daily Mail, Phoenix Ikner, identified as a local sheriff's deputy's son, killed two people and injured six others using his mother's handgun during a midday attack that sent the campus into lockdown.
The horror unfolded around noon when Ikner, wearing an orange t-shirt and khaki shorts, began firing at students and faculty members. Witness McKenzie Heeter reported that the shooter fired approximately 15 rounds during the rampage.
Terrified students seek shelter amid gunfire
Students desperately sought cover as shots rang out across the campus. Some hid under desks in classrooms while others fled, leaving behind their belongings scattered on the lawn.
In one particularly chilling moment, students cowering in a classroom remained silent as someone repeatedly banged on the door yelling "open up." Their quick thinking potentially saved lives as they followed safety protocols.
Social media was flooded with disturbing footage of the incident, including videos of students hiding and victims being carried to safety by paramedics. The scenes highlighted the terrifying reality faced by those trapped on campus during the shooting.
Law enforcement response and suspect capture
The Tallahassee Fire Department took control of the campus while the Leon County Sheriff's Office deployed a helicopter to survey the area. Multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated their response to the active shooter situation.
Police later confirmed they had "neutralized the threat" after confronting and shooting the suspect. Ikner was among those transported to the hospital, though his condition was not immediately disclosed.
Several firearms, including a shotgun and pistol, were seized by authorities. Police also discovered a grey sedan containing weapons that may be connected to the incident.
Campus community grapples with tragedy
FSU senior Will Schatz described the chaotic scene at Strozier Library, where he witnessed students racing from the building and heard seven to eight gunshots. The university immediately canceled all classes and events for the day.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare mobilized to treat the six injured victims, stating they were "fully prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected." The victims' conditions ranged from critical to serious.
This marks the second mass shooting at FSU's Tallahassee campus, following a 2014 incident where an alumnus shot three people at the Strozier Library before being killed by police.
Aftermath shapes community response
The shooting at Florida State University's Tallahassee campus on Thursday resulted in two deaths and six injuries when Phoenix Ikner, son of a local sheriff's deputy, opened fire using his mother's handgun. The midday attack sparked panic across the campus as students sought shelter from the gunfire.
Law enforcement agencies responded swiftly to neutralize the threat, with the suspect being shot and taken into custody. The incident has deeply affected the FSU community, which previously experienced a similar tragedy in 2014, highlighting ongoing concerns about campus safety and gun violence.
