News Summary
A tragic mass shooting at Florida State University’s Student Union has resulted in two fatalities and six injuries. The shooter, a 20-year-old male, opened fire in a crowded area, leading to panic and chaos among students. Witnesses described horrific scenes, while law enforcement responded quickly. The shooter has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. This incident has sparked discussions about gun violence and safety on university campuses, with the community mourning the loss and rallying for change.
Tallahassee, Florida – A tragic mass shooting at Florida State University’s (FSU) Student Union has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left six others injured. The incident occurred around noon on April 17, 2025, when the 20-year-old suspect, identified as Phoenix Ikner, opened fire in a crowded area, creating panic among students and faculty.
The two fatalities have been identified as Robert Morales, 57, and Tiru Chabba, 45. Among the wounded, one victim remains in critical condition at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Ikner, who was armed with a .45 caliber Glock handgun, also attempted to use a shotgun during the attack, but it malfunctioned.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many students fleeing for their lives. Among the harrowing accounts, it was reported that a person holding a Starbucks coffee was seen nonchalantly recording the aftermath of the shooting, an act that has drawn significant outrage on social media platforms.
FSU police responded rapidly to the shooting. Officer Cody Poppell intervened when he saw Ikner in a shooting stance and subsequently shot him. Following the incident, Ikner was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder. Prosecutors are pushing for the death penalty based on aggravating circumstances surrounding the case.
A grand jury investigation into the shooting concluded that Ikner acted alone and randomly targeted his victims. Court records reveal a troubling background for Ikner, who had recently transferred to FSU from Tallahassee State College and had a history of being on medication for various medical issues
The incident has raised questions about potential connections to Ikner’s family background, as his stepmother works for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, prompting his transfer to another detention facility to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Community leaders and witnesses have described the shooting as a “warzone” and expressed that this tragic event is indicative of a disturbing trend of violence occurring in the area. They are especially concerned about the rise in gun-related incidents as the Fourth of July weekend approaches—a time often marked by increased violence.
As it stands, Ikner is being held without bond, facing the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted of the charges brought against him. The local community continues to grapple with the ramifications of this horrific incident as law enforcement agencies reassess security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
FSU’s administration has made multiple statements regarding the matter, emphasizing their commitment to student safety and the need for ongoing discussions about gun violence in society. The university community is coming together in the wake of this devastating incident to mourn the loss of life and support those affected.
As investigations continue and more details emerge regarding the tragedy at Florida State University, the impact of this event will undoubtedly resonate throughout the community for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Mass shooting
- KBTX
- Google Search: FSU shooting
- ABC News
- Google Scholar: Florida State University shooting
- Tallahassee.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun violence
- NBC News
- Google News: Florida State University shooting
