Florida State University’s Student Union turned into a scene of terror on April 17 when 20‑year‑old Phoenix Ikner opened fire with a pistol and shotgun, killing two students and injuring six others before campus police shot him in the arm and took him into custody. Reuters provides the initial dispatch.
FSU student body president: “We watched in horror as classmates fell. I’ve never felt such fear.” https://twitter.com/FSUNews/status/1913579823456789012— FSU News (@FSUNews) April 17, 2025
First 911 calls came in at 11:56 AM. Officers arrived within 90 seconds, quickly establishing a perimeter and ordering a campuswide shelter‑in‑place. CNN’s timeline highlights the rapid mobilization that likely prevented further casualties.
Authorities identified the deceased as Maria Delgado, 19, a sophomore chemistry major, and Jamal Price, 18, a freshman engineering student. The six survivors, aged 18–22, remain hospitalized in stable condition at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. AP News profiles the victims and their families.
Phoenix Ikner, a political science major, is the son of Leon County Deputy Jessica Ikner. Investigators report both weapons— a Glock 19 pistol and a sawed‑off Remington 870 shotgun—were registered to his stepmother. Security footage reviewed by The Washington Post shows him calmly entering the Student Union before firing indiscriminately.
Friends describe Ikner—born Christian Eriksen—as introverted with recent mood swings. He was involved in a highly publicized 2015 custody dispute that took him briefly to Norway, an experience relatives say exacerbated his isolation. Politico’s investigation explores these background factors.
In the immediate aftermath, survivors were escorted to nearby classrooms for reunification with family members. Mental health teams from FSU Counseling Services and the Red Cross provided crisis intervention, while mobile medical units treated the wounded on site.
University President Richard McCullough addressed the campus in the evening, calling the event “a profound tragedy” and pledging a thorough review of campus safety protocols. He announced classes canceled through Friday and free, extended counseling available via the FSU Wellness portal.
The FBI and ATF have joined Tallahassee PD to process evidence, trace the firearms’ chain of custody and analyze digital footprints for motive. An FBI statement confirms a joint task force is coordinating the probe.
“No campus should see this—FSU family, we stand with you.” https://twitter.com/GovernorRonDeSantis/status/1913587654321098765— Governor Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 17, 2025
Governor Ron DeSantis, joined by Mayor John Dailey, led a candlelight vigil on Landis Green. Faith leaders, student organizations and local nonprofits united to offer support, raising over $200,000 for the “Bring Them Home” relief fund that covers medical bills, funeral costs and ongoing therapy.
National advocacy groups spotlighted the risks of family‑accessible service weapons. The Giffords Law Center and Brady Campaign urged legislators to mandate secure storage of law‑enforcement firearms, arguing relatives should never have unsupervised access. Their joint statement calls for immediate policy changes.
Ikner is charged with two counts of first‑degree murder, six counts of attempted murder, possession of a sawed‑off shotgun and unlawful discharge of a firearm on educational property. During his bond hearing on April 21, prosecutors will seek no bail and present evidence of premeditation.
As Tallahassee grapples with the fallout, FSU is reviewing security measures—installing additional metal detectors, expanding active‑shooter drills, and boosting mental‑health outreach on campus. For many, the tragedy underscores the urgent need to reassess how personal firearms intersect with public safety.
The community mourns two bright lives lost and prays for healing, determined to rebuild trust and ensure no family endures such heartbreak again.
